Sweetwater Co. Opposes BLM Fracking Rules

GREEN RIVER, Wyo. (AP) — The Sweetwater County Commission says the federal government doesn't need to impose rules for hydraulic fracturing on public lands.

The commission has written the U.S. Bureau of Land Management saying the federal government should leave oversight of the oil and gas industry practice to state regulators.

For two years now, Wyoming has had rules that require companies to disclose the chemicals they use in fracking. The process involves pumping water, sand and chemicals down well holes to crack open deposits and improve the flow of oil and gas.

The Associcated Press reports  the Wyoming County Commissioners Association asked Sweetwater County if it would oppose the rules.

The BLM recently took public comment on the proposed new rules. Federal officials say the proposed rule would complement state fracking regulations.