Bill > H740

This bill, aimed at protecting drinking water, proposes to amend Chapter 21 of the General Laws by adding new definitions for "fluid," "gas," "hydraulic fracturing," and "oil," with "hydraulic fracturing" defined as the process of pumping fluid into the ground to create fractures in rock for oil or gas production. It also adds "hydraulic fracturing fluid" to the definition of "pollutant" and establishes a new section prohibiting any person from engaging in hydraulic fracturing within the commonwealth, and further prohibits the collection, storage, treatment, or disposal of wastewater from hydraulic fracturing, drill cuttings, or other byproducts within the commonwealth, with the intent to safeguard the water quality and natural resources of the commonwealth.