Nearly two years after Wyoming became the first state to
regulate high-volume hydraulic fracturing, the federal
government is finally taking similar steps to supervise oil and
gas drilling on public lands. Released earlier this month, the
proposed rule is now open for public comment. While the
regulations it contains are a significant step forward, they've
disappointed environmentalists and watchdogs who hoped that the
Obama administration would lead by example. Compared to existing
state regulations, the federal rule is in the "middle of the
pack," said Bruce Baizel, senior staff attorney at Earthworks, a
nonprofit that advocates for responsible oil and gas drilling.
"It's not a model leader but it's also not stepping back
either." The proposed rule will require operators to test for
leaks, create a plan for managing wastewater and reveal some of
the chemicals they use in hydraulic fracturing, or fracking.
Regulating these activities will "ensure the health and safety
of the land and the public ... and raise