Victory! While we didn’t get everything we wanted this session on fracking, we did pass HB1123: The Presumptive Impact Areas bill.

The big takeaway: if there is contamination of water within 2,500 feet of a drilling site, the bill puts the gas companies liable unless they can prove otherwise. Considering the massive resources these companies have compared to the average landowner, this is an essential protection to have in place. We’re pleased this landmark bill got passed and will continue to work to make it stronger.  I had the honor of attending the bill signing (check out the pic!). Thank you to the General Assembly and Governor O’Malley for this step in the right direction. Click here to ask the governor to go further and ban this practice all together until it has been fully studied and regulated.