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MONTPELIER, Vt. —
Vermont is poised to become the first state to ban a natural gas drilling method known as hydraulic fracturing or "fracking."
Geologists say there appears to be little if any natural gas under Vermont, but lawmakers have been pushing to get a handle on the technique that is criticized by some because chemicals are injected into the ground to free gas that is trapped there.
The Senate passed a ban on the practice while the House voted for a three-year moratorium.
A conference committee agreed to an outright ban.
Vermont Public Radio says the measure still needs final votes in the House and Senate before going to Governor Peter Shumlin for his signature.
Vermont is poised to become the first state to ban a natural gas drilling method known as hydraulic fracturing or "fracking."
Geologists say there appears to be little if any natural gas under Vermont, but lawmakers have been pushing to get a handle on the technique that is criticized by some because chemicals are injected into the ground to free gas that is trapped there.
The Senate passed a ban on the practice while the House voted for a three-year moratorium.
A conference committee agreed to an outright ban.
Vermont Public Radio says the measure still needs final votes in the House and Senate before going to Governor Peter Shumlin for his signature.
