Shale gas bill would strip federal government authority

 

The U.S. House of Representatives late Wednesday passed the so-called Protecting States' Rights to Promote American Energy Security Act, H.R. 2728.

 

The Chamber of Commerce, a federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses, said the legislation would prohibit federal regulation of shale natural gas development in states and tribal areas that already have regulations in place.

 

"Given the unique geologic and physical nuances across the country, state regulators can more effectively regulate energy production," Christopher Guith, a policy director for Chamber's energy initiative, said in a statement.