Wyoming Challenges Hydraulic Fracturing Rules

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AP 6-1,2015

The states of Wyoming and Colorado are asking a federal judge to block the U.S. Bureau of Land Management from implementing its hydraulic fracturing rule.

Wyoming and Colorado filed papers on Friday asking U.S. District Judge Scott Skavdahl of Casper to issue an injunction against the federal agency.

Hydraulic fracturing involves pumping liquids and other substances underground at high pressure to increase the production from oil and gas wells.

The Obama administration announced in March that it will require companies that drill on federal lands start disclosing the chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing beginning in June.

Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead says his state has led the way in enacting its own responsible rules for hydraulic fracturing. He says the federal rule would hurt the state’s economy.