Connecticut Governor Signs Fracking Moratorium

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Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy signed a law that enacts a three-year moratorium on the handling of waste from hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking," pending further research of its environmental impact.

"We must take bold, proactive steps to defend the well-being of our state, remove any loopholes that may exist in environmental protection laws, and protect our citizens from toxic fracking waste," Malloy said during a ceremony at Farm River State Park in East Haven.

The legislation, which the General Assembly approve, drew support from environmental advocates statewide.

During the three-year moratorium, the new law requires the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to establish an appropriate regulatory approach necessary to ensure that fracking waste does not create a hazard for Connecticut's air, land, water, and public health.

It also allows for immediate research permits on fracking waste to a maximum of three entities for up to 330 gallons of waste each. One of these entities may apply one time for an additional 500 gallons. All waste brought into the state for research must be treated as hazardous.

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Connecticut
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