House Votes To Block Obama's 'Fracking' Rules

The House voted to block the Obama administration from from regulating hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, on federal lands Wednesday night over opposition from the White House and Democratic lawmakers.

The bill passed in a 235-187 vote and garnered support from twelve Democrats, while only two Republicans voted against it. The bill was part of three energy-related bills to speed through the House this week intended facilitate oil and gas development and create jobs.

The bipartisan bill prevents the Interior Department from implementing new regulations on fracking, which is already regulated by state agencies. The legislation prevents the department from regulating fracking in states and on tribal lands where regulations are already in place. It also tasks the Environmental Protection Agency with studying fracking.

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