Energy Alliance: Federal Fracking Regs Unneeded

Western Energy Alliance President Tim Wigley says there is no reason for the Federal Government to regulate hydraulic fracturing when states such as Wyoming are already doing so.

The Alliance and the Independent Petroleum Association of America have filed a suit in U.S. District Court against federal regulation of hydraulic fracturing, commonly known as "fracking".

The process involves breaking up underground rock formations, pumping water and various chemicals underground to free up oil and gas so it can be extracted

Environmental groups say fracking presents a hazard to groundwater, including drinking water. New York state has banned the process entirely

But Wigley and other fracking proponents maintain fracking is safe. Wigley says there has never been a proven case of drinking water being made unsafe by fracking. They also argue the federal regulations aren't necessary when the states--including Wyoming--already have fracking regulations in place.

Wigley says the federal regulation of the process would add time and expense to energy production for no valid reason.

North Dakota on Wednesday joined Wyoming in a separate lawsuit against the Bureau of Land Management over federal fracking regulation