VOTE: NO – Died in Committee
Status (overview) of bill: https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/HB2711
Extends moratorium until December 31, 2027, on use of hydraulic fracturing for oil and gas exploration and production, excluding coal bed methane extraction wells.
Limited Government
Although the technology has existed since the 1960s, in recent years improved technology has made the use of hydraulic fracturing in combination with advances in horizontal drilling has led to a major increase in U.S. oil and natural gas production. Increased shale gas production is helping to moderate and stabilize natural gas prices in this country, which brings down manufacturing and distribution costs. This has made the U.S. the most attractive place in the world with a historic wave of expansion and investment underway. To block Oregon out of this economic growth is detrimental to Oregon.
Local Control
With the mandate on closing coal access to rural Oregon, they are looking to replace it with natural gas. This bill may kill those efforts making it too expensive.
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