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MD Attorney General Reviews Fracking Liability Bill

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ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - The Maryland Attorney General's office is weighing in on a bill to hold fracking companies more responsible for personal injury and property damage.

Labeling the natural gas drilling technique as "ultrahazardous and abnormally dangerous" would impose strict liability on the drilling company, wrote Sandra Brantley, counsel to the General Assembly, in a letter sent Wednesday.

Earlier in the day, Sen. George Edwards, a Republican who represents western Maryland, asked for a postponement on the legislation so he could have the Attorney General's office advisement on a bill for fracking liability.

The bill's lead sponsor, Sen. Robert Zirkin, D-Baltimore County, said the bill is not about whether there should be fracking in Maryland, but ensures the industry is held responsible for any damage to residents or their property.

Don Rush is the News Director at Delmarva Public Media. An award-winning journalist, Don reports major local issues of the day, from sea level rise, to urban development, to the changing demographics of Delmarva.