"Maryland Governor Throws Support Behind Permanent Fracking Ban"

"With Hogan's backing, who until now had favored gas extraction, state could join New York in permanently barring controversial drilling practice"

"In a stunning reversal, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) on Friday called for lawmakers to pass legislation permanently banning the natural gas drilling technique known as 'fracking' in Maryland.

Speaking at a press conference in the State House in Annapolis, Hogan said that since the legislature had not acted on new drilling regulations his administration had proposed, he had decided that banning hydraulic fracturing for gas was the only thing to do.

'Because of Maryland’s unique position in the country and our wealth of environmental resources,' Hogan said, 'our administration has concluded that the possible environmental risks of fracking siimply outweigh any potential benefits.'"

Timothy B. Wheeler reports for the Bay Journal March 17, 2017.