Senate: No Pause In Support For Bill To Halt Fracking

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Maryland Senators are supporting a bill that would put a two year stop to any fracking in the state.

Senators on Monday voted 45-2 in favor of the bill, which sets adoption and implementation deadlines for hydraulic fracturing regulations, and prevents drilling permits from being issued until October 2017.

The bill originally proposed an eight-year moratorium on the controversial drilling method so that impacts to public health and the environment could be studied.

Sen. George Edwards, a western Maryland Republican who has voiced concern about being too strict on the drilling practice, called the bill a good step.

A separate bill that would hold fracking companies more responsible for injuries to residents and their property received Senate support last month, and is being considered in the House.