Western Governors advocate state oversight of hydraulic fracturing, 'redundant' BLM regulation unnecessary

States have a long history of effectively regulating the practice of hydraulic fracturing. That's why the Western Governors' Association (WGA) recently asserted that "redundant federal regulation is not required" in regards to the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) rule Oil and Gas; Hydraulic Fracturing on Federal and Indian Lands.

A letter signed by Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, WGA Chairman, and Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval, WGA Vice Chairman, to Interior Secretary Sally Jewell notes:

"Most of the federal and tribal lands where BLM has jurisdiction and where this new federal rule will apply are located in Western states that have a long history of oil and gas production and robust regulations designed to protect the environmental and public health. Because there are often profound differences in geology, ecology, hydrology and meteorology, the states are best equipped to design, administer and enforce laws and regulations related to oil and gas development." Read the letter.

Western Governors have recently also taken action on:

Federal Forest Management (Round 2): WGA recently delivered a second letter to Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack in regards to improved federal forest management. While Secretary Vilsack's response to the governors' initial request highlighted federal programs to reduce hazardous fuels, it did not address several important questions posed by WGA. Read our letter.

Good Samaritan Cleanup: WGA just expressed support for the Good Samaritan Cleanup of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2013 (S 1443) in a letter to Colorado Sen. Mark Udall. Find out why: Read our letter.

Get the latest news of the West by following the Western Governors' Association on Twitter and Facebook.