BILL NO. 2

(as introduced)

3rd Session, 61st General Assembly
Nova Scotia
60 Elizabeth II, 2011



Private Member's Bill



Hydraulic Fracturing Act



Andrew Younger
Dartmouth East



First Reading: April 1, 2011

Second Reading:

Third Reading:

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An Act to Ensure the Health and Well-being
of All Nova Scotians in the Use
of Efficient Hydraulic Fracturing

Be it enacted by the Governor and Assembly as follows:

1 This Act may be cited as the Hydraulic Fracturing Act.

2 In this Act,

(a) "hydraulic fracturing" means an operation in which a specially blended liquid is pumped down a well and into a formation under pressure high enough to cause the formation to crack open and form passages through which oil, gas or water can flow into the well bore;

(b) "Minister" means the Minister of Energy.

3 The Minister shall hold public consultations that include an opportunity for stakeholders within industry and interested members of the public for input to and open dialogue with the Government of the Province respecting hydraulic fracturing.

4 (1) Following the consultations, the Minister shall recommend to the House of Assembly legislative and regulatory measures that address whether hydraulic should be permitted in the Province and, if so, under what conditions permits for hydraulic fracturing should be issued.

(2) No later than November 15, 2011, the Minister shall introduce a bill in the House of Assembly implementing any legislative measures recommended.

(3) Upon the enactment of the legislative recommendations, the Minister shall make regulations implementing any regulatory measures recommended.

5 (1) No person may engage in hydraulic fracturing in the Province without a permit.

(2) No permit may be issued for hydraulic fracturing in the Province unless the recommendations of the Minister would allow hydraulic fracturing to take place; or

(3) No permit may be issued for hydraulic fracturing in the Province until such time as the enactment of the recommended legislative and regulatory measures allowing hydraulic fracturing to take place.

6 This Act comes into force on such day as the Governor in Council orders and declares on proclamation.

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