Fracking Ballot Initiative Gets State OK For Petition Drive

DENVER (AP) - Backers of a proposal that would let local governments regulate or ban fracking have won approval to circulate petitions to put it before voters.

The Secretary of State's Office said Thursday supporters have until Aug. 8 to gather more than 98,000 signatures. If they succeed, voters would approve or reject the proposal in the Nov. 8 general election.

The proposal would amend the state constitution to give cities and counties more power to regulate environmental issues, including oil and gas development. It's called Initiative 40.

At least three other proposals that could limit oil and gas drilling are awaiting approval from elections officials before proponents can gather signatures.

Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, injects a high-pressure mix of water, chemicals and sand underground to break open formations containing oil and gas.