North Carolina

Local Officials Weigh in on Hydraulic Fracturing RegulationsThe Energy Modernization Act, signed by Republican Governor McCrory this spring, allows state regulators to approve and implement statewide regulations that will allow fracking to occur. The new law also prohibits localities from implementing their own regulations or ordinances on oil and natural gas activity. Some municipal officials, however, do not agree with the law or the proposed regulations and have recently voiced their opposition.

Officials in Durham County are submitting comments to the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources on its proposed regulations for hydraulic fracturing in the state. The county is concerned the proposed rules “do not adequately protect human health and the environment, nor do they adequately allow local government to participate in the siting, regulatory or emergency management aspects of fracking,” according to Tobin Freid, the Durham City-County Sustainability Manager.

Moreover, commissioners in Haywood County approved a resolution calling on North Carolina to reinstate its hydraulic fracturing ban until environmental studies are in place.  Officials also expressed opposition to the state’s rule prohibiting local governments from passing hydraulic fracturing rules.