Texas Passes Fracking Chemical Disclosure Bill

On May 25, 2011, sources say a bill requiring natural gas drilling companies to publicly disclose the chemicals used in the hydraulic fracturing process was passed through the Texas Senate. Sources say hydraulic fracturing or "fracking" is a process where gas drillers pump millions of gallons of chemical-laced water deep into the ground to break up rock formations and release trapped natural gas.

Reportedly, many Texans have begun to take notice of the fracking procedure after concerns the process contaminates ground water. Sources say the disclosure bill was supported by both industry and environmental groups.

According to reports, a few other states have already passed disclosure legislation regarding disclosure of fracking chemicals. However, the Texas legislature believes this bill will be a model that other states will follow.

Reportedly, despite pressure by some senators to wait for more conclusive studies on the effects of fracking, there was overwhelming bi-partisan support for the bill.