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Final Rule: Oil and Gas; Hydraulic Fracturing on Federal and Indian Lands

Final Rule: Oil and Gas; Hydraulic Fracturing on Federal and Indian Lands

Full Title: Final Rule: Oil and Gas; Hydraulic Fracturing on Federal and Indian Lands
Author(s): Bureau of Land Management
Publisher(s): Department of Interior
Publication Date: March 1, 2015
Full Text: Download Resource
Description (excerpt):

The BLM final rule on hydraulic fracturing serves as a much-needed complement to existing regulations designed to ensure the environmentally responsible development of oil and gas resources on Federal and Indian lands, which were finalized nearly thirty years ago, in light of the increasing use and complexity of hydraulic fracturing coupled with advanced horizontal drilling technology. This technology has opened large portions of the country to oil and gas development.

The final rule also: (1) Improves public awareness of where hydraulic fracturing has occurred and the existence of other wells or geologic faults or fractures in the area, as well as communicates what chemicals have been used in the fracturing process; (2) Clarifies and strengthens existing rules related to well construction to ensure integrity and address developments in technology; (3) Aligns requirements with state and tribal authorities with regard to water zones that require protection; and (4) Provides opportunities to coordinate standards and processes with individual states and tribes to reduce costs, increase efficiencies, and promote the development of more stringent standards by state and tribal governments.

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