Legislation

Learn about oil and gas legislation and regulation through FracTracker articles, maps, and imagery.

Legislation & Politics

Explore FracTracker’s articles and maps about oil and gas legislation and regulation.

California Regulators Approve More Oil Well Permits Amid a Crisis of Leaking Oil Wells that Should be Plugged

July 29, 2022

FracTracker’s in-the-field inspections and updated analysis of CalGEM permit data shows that California’s regulatory practices and permitting policies risk exposing frontline communities to VOCs from oil and gas well sites.

Oil and Gas Brine in Ohio

May 13, 2022

2 Comments

A hazardous byproduct of oil & gas operations, called “brine," poses a problem because of its radioactivity and the volumes produced.

8 Maps to Strengthen Environmental Justice Policy in Pennsylvania

May 6, 2022

Pennsylvania’s environmental justice policy is an important tool for protecting marginalized communities from harm - but it needs your input!

Mapping Energy Systems Impacted by the Russia-Ukraine War

April 20, 2022

1 Comment

This story map explores how the West's failure to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy is funding Russia's invasion of Ukraine

Permitting Aggregate Mines in Michigan Poses Very Serious Consequences

March 30, 2022

2 Comments

Varying across municipalities, mine permitting in Michigan can bring very serious consequences. This is the second of a two-part series.

$Sylvanian Minerals frac sand mine in South Rockwood, Michigan.$

Permitting Aggregate Mines under Michigan’s Zoning Enabling Act

January 24, 2022

1 Comment

This guest article outlines the role of local government in determining Michigan's frac sand permitting and explores how decisions can vary.