GRAPHIC: Shale gas is expected to be underneath the surface of several regions of North Carolina, and state lawmakers are working on legislation to fast-track hydraulic fracturing to access the resource. Courtesy: NC Center for Geographic Information

RALEIGH, N.C. – It might not be long before the sounds of drilling and rumble of heavy equipment could be echoing in parts of the state – after surprise moves by State House members this week that advanced legislation to put fracking on the fast track.



The controversial process of hydraulic fracturing had been illegal in North Carolina up until last year.



Elizabeth Ouzts, state director of Environment North Carolina, says it's impossible to have hydraulic fracturing without the problems of pollution, and the state should at least address some of the risks of the process.



"The rules don't even address air pollution associated with fracking,” she points out. “And there are still unanswered questions about property rights."



Both the House and Senate versions of the fracking bill would exempt the existing 120 state rules regarding hydraulic fracturing from 12 months of legislative review, and prevent local municipalities from passing regulations.



Industry representatives say natural gas drilling is safe and brings jobs and income to communities. They argue that natural gas is a bridge to a renewable energy future.



Southeastern parts of North Carolina are among areas targeted by oil and gas companies for the shale gas believed to be under the surface.



Nancy Talton, executive director of the Sandhills Area Land Trust, lives in that area and wants the state to proceed with caution.



"This particular area, because of the very geological formations that potentially hold the gas,” she explains. “Those same formations have created a very unique biological and natural habitat."



Other parts of the state that are potential areas for fracking include parts of the Dan River Basin, and Durham, Lee and Moore counties.



Ouzts says given the existing threats to the state's drinking water because of coal ash, the additional threat of contamination from fracking is the last thing the Tarheel state needs.



"We saw with the coal ash spill what happens when you store waste in pits that can leak into our rivers,” she stresses. “And right now the Mining and Energy Commission is contemplating allowing toxic wastewater to be stored in pits that could threaten our rivers and lakes."



Ouzts says North Carolina is of particular concern because unlike other states, the ground water and shale gas supply are closer together under the surface.





