A legislative committee is looking at whether the state should put more regulations on a gas and oil drilling practice. Hydraulic fracturing, also known as "fracking," is used to increase the output of oil and gas wells. It's been used in Kansas for decades and is becoming more common in some areas of the state. Environmental groups this week testified that the process can pollute groundwater. Industry representatives countered, saying fracking has been used for years without problems. The competing views frustrated Vince Wetta (WET-uh), a Wellington Democrat.
Fracking is currently regulated under the state's oil drilling laws, but environmental groups want lawmakers to put stricter rules on the practice.