Local Fracking Bans: A Viable Threat or Mere Nuisance

Hydraulic fracturing is experiencing tremendous growth throughout the world. As is inevitable with any large and profitable industry, hydraulic fracturing has been the recipient of a variety of legal challenges. Parties have filed lawsuits, alleging a myriad of claims, such as trespass, nuisance, and negligence. Legislators have proposed bills to prohibit or substantially curtail fracking. Groups have also lobbied the federal government to issue heightened regulations concerning hydraulic fracturing. These efforts have generally failed to inhibit the development of hydraulic fracturing operations. One of the more recent trends in attacking hydraulic fracturing is the enactment of local fracking bans.