05.15.15

Hoeven Works to Remove Duplication, Ensure States-First Approach for Regulating Hydraulic Fracturing

ND PSC Kalk Testifies at Energy Hearing, Senator Presses BLM at Interior Appropriations Hearing

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven this week continued working to ensure a states-first approach for regulating hydraulic fracturing and pressed the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to work with states to eliminate duplicative federal regulations. In light of the final BLM rule for hydraulic fracturing on federal land released in March, Hoeven pressed the issue at a Senate Energy Committee hearing and an Interior Appropriations Subcommittee hearing this week. 

“We need to continue to let states regulate hydraulic fracturing,” said Hoeven. “Our state regulators already have requirements in place that accomplish what the federal rule seeks to address.”

At a Senate Energy Committee hearing, Hoeven asked North Dakota Public Service Commissioner Dr. Brian Kalk about North Dakota’s regulations for hydraulic fracturing and the importance of providing certainty in the regulatory process.

“North Dakota has been a leader in creating rules for hydraulic fracturing, requiring transparency and reliable well construction,” Commissioner Kalk said. “We created the certainty the energy industry needs to make investments, which creates more jobs and produces more energy. Our need for energy is only growing, and these investments will help ensure our ratepayers are protected from unpredictable prices.”

At a hearing of the Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, Hoeven called for the BLM to work with states to remove duplication in hydraulic fracturing regulations. Hoeven emphasized that the rule creates a second regulatory process on top of the states’ regulation, creating unnecessary delays and increased costs for energy producers.

The senator urged BLM Director Neil Kornze to create a timely, straightforward process that recognize the primacy of states in regulating oil and gas development within their boundaries, which they have successfully done for decades.

“The BLM rule creates a duplicate and unnecessary process,” Hoeven said. “We need BLM to recognize that states’ have a successful record in regulating hydraulic fracturing and continue allowing them to take the lead, just like we do for air and water.”

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