San Rafael Assemblyman's Push for Fracking Moratorium Likely DOA, Report says

The push for a moratorium on fracking led by a freshman San Rafael Assemblyman is apparently headed for the trash heap.

That's according to a Los Angeles Times report that says a letter authored by Marc Levine demanding that Gov. Jerry Brown institute an executive halting the controversial oil and gas extraction process is unlikely to get the governor's blessings.

Levine's letter was co-signed by eight Democratic assembly colleagues.

A Brown spokesman told the Times that the governor is encouraging Levine and those who share his concerns to engage in the regulatory process.

Levine backed a bill (SB No. 4) establishing a more stringent fracking regulations that recently went into effect.

“After extensive debate, the Legislature — including the authors of this letter — voted to enact SB 4, which became effective just days ago.," Brown spokesman Even Westrup told the Times.

"Pursuant to this bill, the regulatory process has begun and we encourage these legislators and other interested citizens to actively participate.”Levine told the Times he believes the measure is inadequate.

"Until we fully understand the negative effects of fracking, a moratorium is essential to protect our environment and public health and safety," Levine told the Times. 

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