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Senate passes fracking ban in Md.
Senate passes fracking ban in Md.
Listen to this articleANNAPOLIS — The Maryland Senate gave final approval Monday night to legislation that bans a controversial natural gas drilling process.
The Senate approved House Bill 1325 by a 35-10 vote. The bill now heads to Gov. Larry Hogan, who announced earlier this month that he would sign a ban into law if it was sent to his desk.
Sen. George Edwards, R-Western Maryland, was the only legislator to speak against the bill after an unsuccessful attempt to amend the bill to a 10-year moratorium.
Edwards, an ardent opponent of the ban, said the bill would end all future discussions in the event that improved drilling practices ever become available.
“The fat lady has sung,” Edwards said. “The game is over. The discussion on this issue is over, as far as I’m concerned.”
