Gov. Quinn Praises House-Approved Fracking Bill

Gov. Pat Quinn, a manufacturers' association and representatives from the oil and gas industry are praising a measure to regulate high-volume oil and gas drilling in Illinois.

The House overwhelmingly approved the plan Thursday on a vote of 108-9.

The bill outlines rules that energy companies would have to follow during hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking.'' 

The executive vice president of the Illinois Oil and Gas Association says efforts on the compromise bill were "monumental." 

The head of the Illinois Manufacturing Association says it'll create jobs. 

Fracking uses high-pressure mixtures of water, sand or gravel and chemicals to crack rock formations deep underground and release oil and natural gas.

Among the measure's requirements is that companies disclose fracking chemicals and test water before and after drilling. It also holds them liable for contamination.

Ann Alexander is a senior attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council who helped craft the regulations. She says it's good to see Illinois moving forward with public protections.

Opponents worry it would cause air and water pollution and deplete water resources.