Lawmaker pushes anti-hydraulic fracking bill

“What these studies show is that no amount of regulation can eliminate the harmful human effects of fracturing,” he said.

No hydraulic fracturing is underway in Nevada. Some fracking efforts were attempted in Elko County a few years ago, but they were abandoned when the price of oil dropped and made it economically unfeasible.

Assemblyman Jim Wheeler, R-Gardnerville, said the fracking site in Elko County established by Noble Energy was studied by the Desert Research Institute and no water contamination was identified.

But Watkins said the study did not examine seismic, air pollution or human health impacts.

Testifying in support of the bill was David von Seggern, chairman of the Toiyabe Chapter of the Sierra Club, who said Nevada is not a fossil-fuel production state, and so banning fracking would not have a major economic impact. But banning the practice will ensure Nevada’s water supply is protected and prevent the potential of an earthquake, he said.

Assemblywoman Robin Titus, R-Wellington, asked why a moratorium should not be pursued so fracturing could be allowed in Nevada if and when the technology improves.

Tim Shestek, senior director of state affairs for the American Chemistry Council, submitted a letter expressing concerns about the legislation. A ban could stifle future economic growth opportunities, he said.

William Ehni, who operates a Carson City geological consulting firm, told the committee that hydraulic fracturing is safe. The Nevada Division of Minerals has a permit process to allow the process to proceed without endangering the public or environment, he said.

A ban would signal that Nevada is not friendly to the oil industry, and so would hurt revenues from the proceeds of BLM lease sales, Ehni said. Contact Sean Whaley at swhaley@reviewjournal.com or 775-461-3820. Follow @seanw801 on Twitter.