Rep. Roberts Introduces "Fracking" Legislation

State Rep. Sarah Roberts, D-St. Clair Shores, joined with her Democratic colleagues and local environmental groups Thursday at a press conference in St. Clair Shores to introduce eight bills that will "shed light" on hydraulic fracturing, which is known as "fracking."

"Fracking is not new in Michigan. Vertical drilling has been done here since 1952, but new horizontal drilling is using more chemicals, more water and more land. Michiganders deserve to know what fracking is and what it does," Roberts said in a release. "Our legislation makes sure drilling companies disclose the chemicals they use, report how much water they use and give a voice to the public and the local communities."

According to the release, the legislation seeks to ensure that the chemicals used in fracking don't have an adverse effect on water quality or the health of nearby residents. Included in the proposed legislation:

• Require the disclosure of the chemicals used in the fracking process and report when more than 100,000 gallons of water is used,
• Give municipalities and individuals the opportunity to request a public hearing before a fracking permit is issued, letting people have a say in the process,
• Allow local units of government to control fracking operations in their communities
• Create a public-private advisory committee to study the effects of fracking and make recommendations,
• Increase the setback distance of fracking operations from residential areas,  and apply it to schools, hospitals, daycare centers and public parks

Roberts was joined by Reps. Jon Switalski, D-Warren, and Rashida Tlaib, D-Detroit, at the conference.

"Some 930 chemicals have been used in the fracking process and according to information from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, an uptick in pending drilling permits and increased possibility of substantial water usage makes our legislation extremely salient and necessary," Switalski said in the release.

The Michigan House Democrats also set up a website, www.protectmiwater.com, to provide additional information about fracking and the proposed legislation.