Bill > SB375

This bill establishes new regulations for hydraulic fracturing, a process used to extract oil or gas by pumping fluid into the ground to create fractures in rock. Under this bill, it will be illegal to conduct hydraulic fracturing or to collect, store, treat, or discharge any wastewater generated from this process without first obtaining a permit from the board of land and natural resources, referred to as the "board." The bill outlines the procedures for applying for such a permit, including requiring written applications, specific documentation, and an annual fee. The board will have the discretion to approve or deny permit applications after a public hearing, and can also modify or cancel existing permits under similar conditions. Importantly, the bill mandates that the board must create rules to implement these provisions before any permits can be issued. Violators of these regulations will face fines and can be legally stopped from continuing their actions through court injunctions, with these penalties being in addition to any other existing legal consequences.