NC energy panel continues work on fracking regs
NC panel examining fracking regulations meets to review managing waste, funding and water use
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- A panel responsible for developing regulations that would allow for expanded North Carolina inland energy exploration is meeting to review issues like managing waste, environmental standards and water use.
The Mining and Energy Commission meet Tuesday and Wednesday in Raleigh.
The former state mining commission was reconstituted last summer to address potential exploration methods such as hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. Lawmakers want new regulations in place by October 2014. The Legislature would have to act again before permits could be granted.
Wednsday's meeting will include a public comment period for 10 speakers, each of whom will get three minutes to describe their thoughts about fracking.
The fracking process injects a drilled well with chemicals, water and sand at high pressure to crack shale rock and release natural gas.
