Majority Caucus Whip State Sen. Mattie Hunter released the following statement in respect to the recent passage of legislation establishing regulations regarding hydraulic fracturing or “fracking”:

“I stand in complete opposition to this measure and the advancement of policy to regulate fracking in Illinois. I early on this session presented legislation establishing a moratorium to keep anyone from realizing high-volume hydraulic fracturing in our state and putting a task force in place to make sure we take enough time to consider this critical issue thoroughly. My colleague, Sen. Don Harmon (D-Oak Park), made a valiant attempt to institute such a moratorium with Senate Bill 630 but fell short. I commend my fellow senator on his efforts and stand with him in continuing my resolve that we should halt fracking practices and allow for a task force to complete concrete, comprehensive evaluation of this highly controversial industry moving further.”

House Bill 1715, the effort regulating the practice of high-volume hydraulic fracturing in Illinois, is approved by the General Assembly and advances to the governor.