2014 Senate Bill 1026

Restrict oil and gas wells in municipalities

Introduced in the Senate

Aug. 13, 2014

Introduced by Sen. Jack Brandenburg (R-11)

To restrict gas or oil wells (including gas and oil “fracking” wells) in a municipality with more than 70,000 residents unless two local hearings are held and the Department of Environmental Quality determines the well there is no “reasonable alternative” location that will allow the drilling rights owner to extract the oil and gas. Reportedly an amendment may be considered to require local government approval for drilling.

Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, Environment, and Great Lakes

Dec. 11, 2014

Amendment offered by Sen. Rebekah Warren (D-18)

To impose larger set-backs between residential buildings and oil and gas wells.

The amendment failed 14 to 23 (details)

Failed in the Senate 10 to 27 (details)

To restrict gas or oil wells (including gas and oil “fracking” wells) in a county with more than 320,000 residents, and impose additional notice, disclosure, fencing, monitoring and other requirements on drilling operations.