Fracking Bill Passes Illinois Senate

A bill to regulate a technology to reach inaccessible natural gas reserves in Illinois deep underground, passed the Illinois Senate Thursday and moved to the Illinois House. The technology, known as fracking, involves using a mixture of water, sand and chemicals to reach these underground gas reserves. The legislation would allow the state to regulate the practice and would require energy companies to disclose the chemical composition of the fluids used. Environmentalists are concerned about protecting the underground water supply. Peoria State Senator Dave Koehler believes the legislation is a compromise which protects groundwater while allowing the industry the leeway to function.