Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals Act of 2025
Summary
The Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals Act of 2025 (H.R. 6082) aims to repeal the exemption for hydraulic fracturing within the Safe Drinking Water Act. This bill seeks to regulate hydraulic fracturing by amending Section 1421 of the Safe Drinking Water Act. It mandates disclosure of chemicals used in fracking operations and ensures that proprietary chemical formulas are accessible during medical emergencies.
Expected Effects
If enacted, H.R. 6082 would bring hydraulic fracturing under federal regulation concerning water safety. This would require companies to disclose chemicals used in fracking, increasing transparency. It would also allow medical professionals access to proprietary information in emergencies, potentially improving patient care.
Potential Benefits
- Increased transparency regarding chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing.
- Enhanced protection of groundwater resources from potential contamination.
- Improved access to chemical information for medical professionals during emergencies.
- Potential for safer drinking water due to stricter regulation of fracking.
- Greater public awareness of the environmental impacts of hydraulic fracturing.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased regulatory burden on oil and gas companies, potentially raising energy costs.
- Possible delays in energy production due to new compliance requirements.
- Potential for disputes over proprietary chemical formulas and trade secrets.
- Uncertainty regarding the economic impact on states heavily reliant on fracking.
- Possible legal challenges from industry groups arguing against the new regulations.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
This bill aligns with the Constitution's implied power to regulate activities that affect interstate commerce and the general welfare. Specifically, it relates to Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce among the states. The regulation of hydraulic fracturing chemicals also touches upon the Tenth Amendment, as it involves the balance of power between the federal government and the states in environmental regulation. The bill seeks to ensure public safety and environmental protection, which are legitimate governmental interests.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).