An Illinois legislative panel has put off voting on rules for high-volume oil and gas extraction until next month, as it grapples with how to ensure regulations are fair to industry while protecting the environment.
The Joint Committee on Administrative Rules has the last word on whether the rules for hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking," can take effect.
Fracking supporters say it is safe and will create thousands of Illinois jobs. Opponents worry it will cause groundwater pollution and health problems.
The rules under review were written by the Department of Natural Resources to implement a new law allowing the practice.
Politics
At Tuesday's hearing in Chicago, some lawmakers expressed concern that if no regulations are approved by a Nov. 15 deadline, industry could find a way to begin operating anyway.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
