California has begun the public comment period for a regulatory initiative to end the issuance of new hydraulic fracturing (fracking) permits by January 2024.

Gov. Gavin Newsom last month instructed the Department of Conservation’s Geologic Energy Management (CalGEM) Division to begin drawing up the measure. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) also was ordered to analyze pathways to phase out oil extraction statewide by 2045 at the latest.

CalGEM said Friday (May 21) it is seeking public comments on its proposal “to phase out the use of hydraulic fracturing, acid fracturing, acid-matrix stimulation and other well-stimulation treatments that enhance oil and gas production by creating channels in rock formations for hydrocarbons to flow.”

The goals are “to protect...