After requests from individuals, organizations and businesses in Western North Carolina, the Mining and Energy Commission has voted unanimously to hold a public hearing on hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) rules in this part of the state.
Public hearings on rules that will regulate fracking were already scheduled in three locations across the state: Raleigh, Sanford, and Reidsville — all more than a four-hour drive from the mountains, where the state will spend $11,725 exploring for natural gas.
WNC HEARING DETAILS:
Date: Sept. 12
Time: 5-9 p.m.
Location: Western Carolina University’s Bardo Fine & Performing Arts Center, 199 Centennial Drive, Cullowhee
Fracking is a process using high-pressure injection of water, sand and chemicals to release natural gas trapped in underground shale formations.
The MEC is expected to finalize the oil and gas rules before the end of 2014, with possible issuance of permits by spring of 2015.