A loose coalition of anti-hydraulic fracturing (fracking) groups is calling for a moratorium on the drilling practice in California, and is lobbying against the lone remaining bill (SB 4) related to unconventional drilling in the state legislature, which is in its final weeks before adjournment.

As the lawmakers discuss their version of possible new rules, the state Division of Oil, Gas and Geothermal Resources (DOGGR) is midway through the process of creating draft regulations specifically covering unconventional drilling, which had been used in the state for decades without controversy. State lawmakers earlier this session turned down various proposals, including a fracking moratorium (see Shale Daily, June 17).

Representatives from Credo, Food & Water Watch, MoveOn.org, the Center for Biological Diversity and Physicians for Social Responsibility-Los Angeles hosted a conference call with reporters on Wednesday to discuss what they described as a “growing movement” to impose a fracking moratorium.

The anti-fracking groups are claiming SB 4 has been watered down by too much oil and natural gas industry influence. They issued a statement, signed by more than 100 organizations, calling the bill “inadequate” and calling for California Gov. Jerry Brown to do an about-face on his stated support for oil and gas drilling and impose the moratorium.

“It is a sad day when we have to protest what was supposed to be an environmental bill, but SB 4 simply won’t protect us or our water from the dangers of fracking,” said Credo political director Becky Bond. “This bill will allow the fracking industry to massively ramp up fracking in California.”

The legislation has been variously supported by industry and some of the larger national environmental organizations. However, it has been a moving target.

“This will go to the very final hours of the legislative session,” said Tupper Hull, a spokesman for the Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA). Right now the bill “is in a form that we don’t support.” However, its author, Sen. Fran Pavley, has pledged “to work with the oil industry” in crafting the bill.

“Conversations are occurring daily, and we continue to be optimistic that comprehensive language will be drafted,” that balances safety and production, Hull said.

Earlier in the legislative session, WSPA listed important practices the bill should address, including:

The Assembly Appropriations Committee is expected to vote, possibly as early as Friday, on SB 4. It is not clear if the measure will be passed before the legislature’s mid-September adjournment date.

The governor has supported ongoing actions to carve out new drilling rules, as well as supporting development of the “huge” potential oil reserves in the Monterey Shale, which analysts say could offer California a way out of any economic shortfall (see Shale Daily, June 13).