Fracking: Tougher Oversight Needed in Tennessee

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has proposed revisions to its oil and gas drilling regulations, but the safeguards do not go far enough to protect water and wildlife. With a set of recommendations submitted August 3, SELC has urged TDEC to strengthen the rules by

• Mandating upfront, detailed disclosure of the chemicals and fracking fluids drilling companies will use;
• Requiring measures to protect unfragmented wildlife habitat, especially for at-risk species; and
• Tailoring industry standards to unique site conditions in Tennessee, such as porous rock formations that can allow contaminants to seep into groundwater supplies.  

We also have called for the agency to raise the state’s exceptionally low permit application fees to help finance effective oversight of the drilling industry.