"New regulations to oversee hydraulic fracturing of oil and gas wells in Alaska could be issued later this year by state regulators, officials said at a public hearing on Monday."
"The regulations, proposed by the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, would require the approval of regulators before fracturing is conducted, notification of landowners and testing of water wells within a half-mile radius, and the full disclosure of chemicals in the hydraulic-fracturing liquids.
While 'fracking' has been used for decades in Alaska to stimulate oil and gas production, and the practice is already regulated under state well-integrity rules, the new rules would beef up oversight and make public more information.
The proposed regulations, which will incorporate well-bore-integrity rules, are intended to let state officials keep up with technology and to ensure that public concerns are addressed, said Cathy Foerster, chairman of the commission."
Yereth Rosen reports for Reuters September 24, 2013.
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