California oil regulators released a new set of rules pertaining to the extraction of oil through fracking and other methods. The companies extracting the natural resources have to have a specific monitoring system during the process. They must also notify people living in the communities near the extraction sites, in Spanish and English, of their rights to get the ground water tested. These rules apply to fracking on land and in the ocean as well.
This process will ensure a safer procedure, and will inform the residents of what is happening around their homes and schools. The Center of Biological Diversity says the regulations do little to protect the environment, and more to inform the public of what is happening. The Western States Petroleum Association also says the regulations are a “transparency”, and make people think that change is being made.
News, AP (2014, June 17) California releases revised fracking regulations. Retrieved September 7, 2014 from http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2014-06-17/california-releases-revised-fracking-regulations
I’m a bit confused over this and how exactly the process will be a safer procedure. Are they insuring a better procedure or simply informing those around as a warning?
The procedure is to better inform the residence around the areas where fracking will occur. I don’t think the procedure alone will make the fracking safe, but it will let the people know what is going on, then they can choose to take precautions to better protect them and their families.