We know that fracking presents many health and environmental hazards. Even the most stringent regulations would still fall short of truly protecting the health and environment of Marylanders. One harsh reality sits just beneath Governor O'Malley's comments about establishing regulations more stringent than other states. Governor-elect Larry Hogan is under no obligation to complete the new regulations. Considering that Mr. Hogan has already said fracking is a "gold mine" for the state, we will not be able to trust his administration to be responsible with regulating fracking. Of course, Marylanders can also look at the record the oil and gas industry has established thus far. From Oklahoma and Colorado to Ohio and Pennsylvania, residents of states with pro-fracking governors have suffered the health and environmental consequences. Neighboring Pennsylvania has confirmed at least 243 cases of water contamination from drilling and fracking in the state.