Majority Caucus Whip State Sen. Mattie Hunter released the following statement in response to the governor’s recent decision to sign law regulating hydraulic fracturing or “fracking” in Illinois:

“I continue to stand in complete opposition to policy regulating ‘fracking’ in Illinois. Early on this past session I presented legislation establishing a moratorium to keep anyone from conducting high-volume hydraulic fracturing in our state and putting a task force in place to make sure we take enough time to thoroughly consider this critical issue.

I still believe we should establish a moratorium and task force to gain greater understanding of how ‘fracking’ will affect Illinois’ drinking water and environment. Water safety is extremely important for our communities and state, which is why I continue to maintain that there should be more time permitted to truly evaluate the consequences of ‘fracking.’

I maintain that we should halt ‘fracking’ practices and allow for a task force to complete a comprehensive evaluation of this highly controversial industry before moving ahead.” 

House Bill 1715, which establishes high-volume hydraulic fracturing regulations, was signed by the governor Monday, June 17.