May 28, 2013

Illinois fracking moratorium bill gains new co-sponsors as citizen movement grows

Nine members of the Illinois House added themselves as co-sponsors to the fracking moratorium bill last week after the pro-fracking regulatory bill passed an Executive Committee vote. It reflects growing opposition to the fracking regulation bill after it was recently introduced to the public.

The environmental community overwhelmingly favors a moratorium, and action by leaders in regions threatened by fracking continue to draw attention at the Capitol. Citizens lobbied the legislature over the holiday weekend, the sit-in  outside the Governor's office continues, and Sandra Steingraber will return to the Capitol Wednesday.

For more on the citizen push for a fracking moratorium, check out my article at EcoWatch, and this interview with Melody Lamar, a Springfield resident arrested to bring attention to Governor Quinn's failure to meet with environmental leaders in fracking regions.