California Releases Revised Fracking Regulations

California oil regulators have released updated rules governing well stimulation jobs including hydraulic fracturing. The revisions are a continuation of the draft rules released last year.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California oil regulators have released updated rules governing well stimulation jobs including hydraulic fracturing.

The revisions announced Tuesday are a continuation of the draft rules released last year.

Operators would have to perform real-time seismic monitoring during fracking and other oil recovery techniques. They also have to notify homeowners in English and Spanish about their right to get groundwater tested before and after a job.

Jason Marshall of the state Department of Conservation says the rules apply to both fracking on land and in the ocean.

The Center for Biological Diversity says the revisions do little to protect the environment. The Western States Petroleum Association says it's committed to transparency.

The new rules take effect in January. Emergency regulations have been in place since the beginning of the year.

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