Vermont Approves Complete Ban on 'Fracking' Method of Drilling

MONTPELIER, Vt. - Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin has signed legislation passed overwhelmingly by state legislators that bans the hydraulic fracturing method of natural gas extraction and gives the state's natural resources secretary 18 months to investigate how it could be safely regulated if reintroduced. An Act Relating to Hydraulic Fracturing Wells for Natural Gas and Oil Production, H.464 (Vt.).

The governor signed H.464 May 16, a week after it passed the Vermont house on a 103-36 vote. The bill was approved by the Senate 27-1 on April 19.

The bill as enacted provides that "No person may engage in …