"California legislation that orders the first-ever state oversight of hydraulic fracturing neared final passage yesterday, even after nearly all environmental groups dropped their support."

"The state's Assembly on a vote of 48-17 approved S.B. 4 from Sen. Fran Pavley. It now heads back to the Senate for agreement on amendments. If ratified there, it goes to Gov. Jerry Brown (D), who has indicated he will sign it.

Pavley said the bill is needed because unlike at least 14 other states that produce petroleum, California doesn't regulate fracking or other well stimulation practices like acidization."

Anne C. Mulkern reports for EnergyWire September 12, 2013. [2]