Politics & Government

Governor Signs State Sen. Fran Pavley's Fracking Bill

The law takes effect Jan. 1.

Governor Jerry Brown signed a bill into law Friday authored by Senator Fran Pavley, D-Agoura Hills, that regulates hydraulic fracturing, known as fracking. 

The bill also requires an independent scientific study and takes effect Jan. 1.

"Starting January 1, 2014, oil companies will not be allowed to frack or acidize in California unless they test the groundwater, notify neighbors and list each and every chemical on the Internet," Pavley said in a statement. 

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"This is a first step toward greater transparency, accountability and protection of the public and the environment. Now we need immediate, robust enforcement and widespread public involvement to ensure the law is upheld to its fullest." 

The new regulations are now the nation's toughest restrictions on the drilling practice. 

Find out what's happening in Pacific Palisadesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

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