Fallin signs bill to prevent local drilling regulations

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Oklahoma cities and counties would no longer be able to ban hydraulic fracturing – a process commonly called fracking – or other oil and gas operations within their boundaries under a bill signed into law by Governor Mary Fallin.

Fallin on Friday signed the bill that was supported by the oil and gas industry, but fiercely opposed by municipalities and environmental groups.

Fallin and other Republican supporters say the bill reaffirms the Oklahoma Corporation Commission as the regulator of the oil and gas industry and prevents a patchwork of inconsistent regulations across the state.

Opponents say cities and towns will no longer be able to prohibit practices like wastewater disposal that have been linked to a dramatic increase in earthquakes across Oklahoma.