EPA fracking regulations lag, including in Kentucky

A new, extensive Government Accountability Office study of the EPA’s hydraulic fracturing regulations says they need to be updated and are insufficient to ensure the safety of drinking water. To make these conclusions the GAO studied tracking practices in eight states, including Kentucky.

How did Kentucky do? The commonwealth was not the worst offender for under-regulation, but also failed to distinguish itself in any positive light. Kentucky also was cited for having many old, abandoned legacy oil and gas wells that were improperly plugged, and could still pose an environmental hazard.