Fracking Legislation To Benefit Southern Illinois Oil and Gas Drilling Is Being Drafted

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - A southern Illinois lawmaker says Illinois can allow high-volume oil and natural gas drilling while protecting the environment.      

Rep. John Bradley of Marion is among a group of lawmakers, environmentalists, industry and agriculture officials negotiating language for a bill that would regulate hydraulic fracturing in Illinois.  Fracking uses high-pressure mixtures of water, sand or gravel and chemicals to crack rock formations and release oil and gas. The industry is eyeing southern Illinois' New Albany shale deposits.   Supporters say the bill could be filed this week and address everything from chemical disclosure to air and water pollution.      

Bradley says he wants it done right because his family lives in the area, too. But critics are calling for a 2-year moratorium so the state can study safety issues and evaluate best practices.

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