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Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals Act of 2023
2/5/2024, 2:30 PM
Summary of Bill HR 4785
Additionally, the bill mandates that companies conducting fracking operations must obtain permits from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and adhere to strict safety and environmental standards. This includes monitoring and reporting any leaks or spills that occur during the fracking process.
Furthermore, the bill establishes a fund to compensate individuals and communities affected by any negative impacts of fracking, such as water contamination or air pollution. This fund will be financed by fees collected from companies engaged in fracking activities. Overall, the Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals Act of 2023 seeks to increase transparency and accountability in the fracking industry, while also protecting the environment and public health from the potential risks associated with this controversial practice.
Congressional Summary of HR 4785
Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals Act of 2023
This bill revises drinking water requirements concerning hydraulic fracturing (fracking) operations. Specifically, the bill gives the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the authority to protect groundwater sources (e.g., wells) from certain pollution risks posed by fracking operations.
The bill also establishes requirements for disclosing the chemicals intended for use in fracking operations as well as the chemicals actually used in the operations. If the proprietary chemical formulas of chemicals used in fracking operations are necessary for treatment in medical emergencies, then the operations must disclose the formulas or the specific chemical identities of trade secret chemicals to the state, the EPA, or the treating physicians or nurses upon request, regardless of whether written statements of need or confidentiality agreements have been provided.
