Oregon Approves Temporary Ban on ‘Fracking’

SALEM, Ore. (AP) – The controversial oil exploration tactic known as fracking will be temporarily banned in Oregon until 2025 under a bill on its way to the governor.

The Senate voted 17-11 Wednesday to prohibit hydraulic fracturing or `fracking,’ which injects high-pressure liquids into underground rock to extract oil and gas. Environmental advocates say that process can contaminate groundwater and pose other environmental risks.

The bill previously banned fracking for 10 years but the Senate cut that timespan roughly in half, something that must now be approved by the House before heading to the governor’s desk.

There are currently no fracking operations in Oregon and there are only a handful of ongoing exploration activities. The measure will still permit the more common methods of oil and gas exploration already used in the state.