Fracking bans are weakened in legislative proposals

SACRAMENTO — Legislation that would limit fracking in California is being trimmed to remove proposed bans on the controversial practice until its environmental impact can be studied.

The bill, AB 1323, authored by Assemblywoman Holly Mitchell (D-Los Angeles), was modified to remove the requirement for a scientific study of fracking, which involves injecting chemicals into the ground to break apart rock and release oil and natural gas.

The amended bill, which is scheduled for a vote on the Assembly floor on Thursday, would only bar fracking until the state puts new regulations in place.

A spokesman for Mitchell, Charles Stewart, said the assemblywoman is disappointed with the change, which was made by the Appropriations Committee.

“We’re limping,” he said.

Another bill, SB 4, on the topic was approved by the state Senate on Wednesday. The legislation would require water testing before and after fracking to make sure there is no contamination, and it would require a 30-day notice before fracking takes place.

The vote was 27 to 11, with Republicans standing in opposition.

However, the bill’s author, Sen Fran. Pavley (D-Agoura Hills), said she’s willing to remove a provision that would place a moratorium on fracking while a scientific study is conducted.

This post has been corrected to include the right bill number for Assemblywoman Holly Mitchell’s proposal.

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Twitter: @chrismegerian