Press Release

California AG Becerra Sues Administration Over Repeal of Fracking Rule

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra today filed a lawsuit challenging DOI’s repeal of a commonsense Fracking Rule for federal and tribal lands

Washington, D.C.California Attorney General Xavier Becerra today filed a lawsuit challenging the Department of the Interior’s repeal of a commonsense Fracking Rule for federal and tribal lands that would have required solid drilling-well construction, proper wastewater management, and the disclosure of chemicals used during the fracking process. The regulations were finalized during the Obama Administration but, due to legal challenges, did not take effect.

“Once again, President Trump and Interior Secretary Zinke didn’t let the law or facts get in their way in their zeal to repeal the 2015 Fracking Rule,” said Attorney General Becerra. “The Interior Department’s own factual record shows that the risks to our health and environment are real. So, once again, the California Department of Justice will get in the way of another reckless Trump violation of our laws.”

“By trying to wipe the Fracking Rule off the books, the Trump Administration is once again putting the financial interests of the oil and gas industry ahead of public health and the environment,” said David J. Hayes, executive director of the State Energy & Environmental Impact Center. “Attorney General Becerra’s lawsuit challenges the Administration’s wholesale abandonment of sensible, cost-effective fracking protections developed during an extensive, four-year public process. Americans deserve better than a ‘trust us’ approach that fails to forthrightly address fracking-related drilling risks to our public lands.”

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About the State Energy & Environmental Impact Center:
The State Energy & Environmental Impact Center at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan academic center at NYU School of Law. The Center is dedicated to working towards a healthy and safe environment, guided by inclusive and equitable principles. The Center studies and supports the work of state attorneys general (AGs) in defending, enforcing, and promoting strong laws and policies in the areas of climate, environmental justice, environmental protection, and clean energy.

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