After a legal challenge of “trade secrets” in the fracking industry, drilling companies in Wyoming are now required to justify withholding information about toxic chemicals used in fracking. The settlement has been hailed as a standard-setter for other states. (Center for Effective Government, January 29, 2015, by Amanda Frank)
The settlement closes a loophole and promises greater transparency of fracking methods.“The family that looks out their kitchen window and sees a drilling rig shouldn’t be left in the dark about what chemicals are being pumped into the ground under their home,” said Katherine O’Brien, EarthJustice attorney. (EarthJustice, January 26, 2015)
The agreement requires the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission to make companies prove a trade secret interest before withholding information and also requires them to resubmit applications for 128 chemicals, previously granted trade-secret status. The state had previously rubber-stamped requests for secrecy. (Casper Star-Tribune, January 26, 2015, by Benjamin Storrow)