SB 786 - Energy Modernization Act / Fracking clears another legislative hurdle

Senate Bill 186 passed the House today 64 to 50 largely along party lines. Members debated 16 amendments. A key point of debate is that chemicals used in fracking are considered trade secrets and state officials privy to those secrets may not disclose them under penalty of law. The argument continued over the public's right to know what chemicals are pumped under their property and perhaps into their drinking water wells.  Rep. Grier Martin (Wake Co - Democrat) said, "When your trade secrets enter my daughter's drinking water it's my right to know." Rep. David Lewis (Harnett Co - Republican) calls the bill "Economic opportunity and prosperity for NC."

The bill now returns to the Senate for a concurrence vote.