Illinois lawmakers could consider sweeping regulations on hydraulic fracturing during their Spring Session.
Representative John Bradley is heading up a collaborative effort to get a bill together which would include strict regulations and fees, but would also allow companies to start the process of fracking: "We've been working together, first of all, to protect our groundwater and to make sure we have regulations in place to protect our children, our families, etc. Secondly to allow this industry to have the opportunity to create tens of thousands of jobs for southern Illinois which we desperately need. And to generate revenue for the state, potentially."
There was an unsuccessful attempt last session to pass a moratorium on fracking. Bradley says he remains hopeful this new legislation can put enough safeguards in place that the process can be beneficial to all involved.
You can hear Bradley's comments about this and other issues, along with State Representative Brandon Phelps and State Senator Dave Luechtefeld, on WSIU InFocus tonight on channels eight and 16 at 9:30 pm.
