The governor of Vermont has signed into law the first state ban on hydraulic fracturing. The controversial drilling technique that is used to produce shale gas has been widely debated for its sensitive environmental nature. The fracking process involves the high-pressure injection of water and chemicals into the ground to split rock and release natural gas or oil. It has become a debated issue as critics believe the chemicals used pollute supplies of water, while supporters maintain that this claim has not been proven.
The law was signed by Democratic Governor Peter Shumlin on May 16th, who hopes that Vermont may be able to set an example for other states.
Vermont is believed to have little or no oil or natural gas reserves and there is currently no drilling taking place in the state.