Fracking in Maryland Jun 2025
“The collective findings from these studies indicate that fracking in Maryland poses significant risks to public health and the environment, including air and water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and strain on local healthcare infrastructure. These concerns contributed to the state’s decision to implement a permanent ban on fracking in 2017.” Recent efforts by Maryland Senator Hershey to circumvent the studies and public will is bewildering and expected.
“Hydraulic fracking (for natural gas) contaminates well water — known toxic chemicals, hundreds of them in hazardous soup and all without formula disclosure or regulation, are forcefully injected without regard of drinking water aquifers.
In neighboring states and across the nation, evidence is mounting that drilling and fracking for natural gas leads to polluted air and water, serious health problems, earthquakes and economic losses for local communities. Don’t miss the ignitable, flaming tap-water at 25:10 into GASLAND 2010 documentary — once you see that, it’s instantly obvious the fracksters are anti-earthers: “…water, so contaminated, it catches on fire.”
Maryland’s governor, Larry Hogan, has said he wants to move forward with drilling – despite the growing evidence of harm. The latest poll in Maryland found 56 percent of Maryland registered voters oppose fracking. New York state recently banned fracking, citing significant public health risks and unknown long term cumulative health effects.
A ban on fracking in Maryland is necessary to protect human health, land and water resources, and sustainable economic development in our state. The Maryland General Assembly must prioritize the health and safety of its residents, stand with the science and pass a statewide ban on fracking.
Articles
Your clean well-water — don’t let them frack it all up.
Fracking in Maryland unless you repulse it!
The plan is to grab gas for profit, despite poisoning and polluting your aquifers. Take an interest…or stop drinking water.
Yoko Ono on Gasland – “We’re all water, from different rivers.”
Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, has a complex history in Maryland, marked by environmental concerns, legislative actions, and ongoing debates. Here’s a detailed overview:(sph.umd.edu)
Fracking in Maryland: A Historical Overview
Early Activities and Moratoriums
Between 2006 and 2017, fracking activities occurred in Maryland’s western counties, specifically Garrett and Allegany, which sit atop the Marcellus Shale formation. In response to environmental and public health concerns, then-Governor Martin O’Malley issued a three-year executive order in 2011, halting drilling permits and establishing a commission to assess fracking’s risks. This led to a legislative moratorium in 2015, delaying fracking until October 2017 .(marylandmatters.org, chesapeakeclimate.org)
Permanent Ban Enacted
In March 2017, the Maryland General Assembly passed House Bill 1325, instituting a permanent ban on fracking. Governor Larry Hogan, initially supportive of regulated fracking, signed the bill into law on April 4, 2017, making Maryland the first state with proven gas reserves to enact such a ban through legislative action .(chesapeakeclimate.org, sph.umd.edu)
Geographic Focus
While Garrett and Allegany counties were the primary sites for fracking activities, Maryland’s geology includes several gas basins, such as the Taylorsville Basin, which extends into Prince George’s County. However, due to the statewide ban, no fracking activities are currently permitted in these areas .(chesapeakeclimate.org)
Legal and Regulatory Framework
Legislative Authority
The 2017 ban was enacted through House Bill 1325 and Senate Bill 740, reflecting bipartisan support in the Maryland General Assembly. Governor Hogan’s endorsement was pivotal, especially after public demonstrations and arrests of activists advocating for the ban .(chesapeakeclimate.org)
Regulatory Oversight
Prior to the ban, the Maryland Department of the Environment was responsible for drafting fracking regulations. However, the legislative decision to ban fracking rendered these regulations moot .(msa.maryland.gov)
Industry Involvement
Specific companies involved in Maryland’s fracking activities prior to the ban are not extensively documented. However, the Maryland Petroleum Council, a division of the American Petroleum Institute, opposed the 2017 ban, indicating industry interest in the state’s natural gas resources .(stateimpact.npr.org)
Recent Developments
In February 2025, State Senator Steve Hershey introduced a bill to lift the fracking ban, with co-sponsorship from Senators Mike McKay and William Folden. The bill is currently under committee review and, if passed, would reinstate fracking activities effective October 1, 2025 .(mikemckaymd.com)
Summary
- Current Status: Fracking is banned statewide in Maryland since 2017.
- Historical Activity: Limited to Garrett and Allegany counties between 2006 and 2017.
- Legal Authority: Ban enacted through bipartisan legislation (HB 1325/SB 740) and signed by Governor Hogan.
- Industry Opposition: Notably from the Maryland Petroleum Council.
- Potential Changes: Legislation introduced in 2025 aims to lift the ban, pending legislative approval.(marylandmatters.org, chesapeakeclimate.org, stateimpact.npr.org)
Environment Studies
Maryland has conducted extensive environmental and public health studies on hydraulic fracturing (fracking), particularly focusing on the Marcellus Shale regions in Garrett and Allegany counties. These studies played a pivotal role in shaping the state’s decision to implement a permanent fracking ban in 2017.
Key Environmental and Health Studies on Fracking in Maryland
1. University of Maryland School of Public Health Report (2014)
Commissioned by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the Maryland Department of the Environment, this comprehensive 203-page report assessed potential public health impacts of fracking in Western Maryland. The study identified several areas of concern:(sph.umd.edu)
- Air Quality: Emissions from diesel engines and trucks used in fracking operations could lead to respiratory issues, headaches, and other health problems.(wypr.org)
- Noise Pollution: Fracking activities could cause sleep disturbances, stress, and cardiovascular issues due to increased noise levels.(wypr.org)
- Water Contamination: Potential risks of wastewater from fracking contaminating local streams and groundwater sources.
- Healthcare Infrastructure: Concerns about the capacity of local healthcare systems to handle potential health impacts arising from fracking activities.
The report concluded that fracking posed significant public health risks and recommended stringent regulatory measures if fracking were to proceed.
2. Ricardo-AEA Risk Assessment (2014)
An independent environmental consultancy, Ricardo-AEA, conducted a risk assessment evaluating the potential environmental impacts of fracking in Maryland. The study highlighted several high-risk areas:(chesapeakeclimate.org)
- Surface Water Contamination: Disposal of “flowback” wastewater could increase salinity and introduce metals and volatile organic compounds into water sources.(chesapeakeclimate.org)
- Air Pollution: Emissions from fracking operations could degrade air quality, affecting both environmental and human health.
- Quality of Life: Fracking activities could negatively impact the quality of life for local residents through increased noise, traffic, and potential health risks.
The assessment emphasized the need for Maryland-specific regulations to mitigate these risks. (chesapeakeclimate.org)
3. Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory (2017)
The MDE conducted a life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions inventory to assess the environmental impact of consuming fracked natural gas in Maryland, even though the gas is extracted out-of-state. The study found that:(mde.maryland.gov)
- Methane Emissions: Fugitive methane emissions during extraction and transportation contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Infrastructure Emissions: Construction and maintenance of fracking infrastructure add to the state’s carbon footprint.
The report underscored the environmental implications of relying on fracked gas, even if not produced within Maryland. (mde.maryland.gov)
4. University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Recommendations
The Center recommended establishing a goal of 100% recycling of wastewater generated from fracking operations. Given that fracking requires millions of gallons of water per well, the study emphasized the importance of developing technologies for on-site treatment and recycling to minimize environmental impact. (umces.edu)
Summary of Findings
The collective findings from these studies indicate that fracking in Maryland poses significant risks to public health and the environment, including air and water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and strain on local healthcare infrastructure. These concerns contributed to the state’s decision to implement a permanent ban on fracking in 2017.
