Mead requests more time to review EPA frack rules

Jun 22, 2012 - The Associated Press

CHEYENNE -- Gov. Matt Mead is asking the U.S. Interior Department for more time to study proposed federal hydraulic fracturing rules.

Mead opposes the proposed rules, saying they duplicate Wyoming's fracking rules and are unnecessary and cumbersome.

Fracking boosts the productivity of oil and gas wells by cracking open underground deposits with water and chemicals.

The Bureau of Land Management has drafted a rule for fracking use on federal and Indian lands.

Mead is requesting an extension of the comment period based on a study projecting more than $1.4 billion in economic impacts to industry.