Illinois Passes Nation’s Toughest Fracking Restrictions

Published June 4, 2013

The Illinois Senate overwhelmingly approved a bill imposing the toughest fracking restrictions in the nation. The bill now advances to Gov. Pat Quinn (D) who is expected to sign the bill into law.

Among other requirements, the legislation requires fracking companies to disclose all chemicals used in the fracking process, test water near fracking sites before and after natural resource production, and accept responsibility for any environmental impacts related to fracking operations.

The Senate approved the bill by a 52-3 vote.

Despite the bill imposing the most severe restrictions on fracking in the nation and attaining strong Democratic support, some environmental extremists vigorously protested the bill for allowing any fracking at all. One activist became so out of control that state police had to forcibly remove her from the state capitol building.