State Rep. Doug Dubitsky Pushes for Innovation and Research of Fracking Waste

HARTFORD – State Representative Doug Dubitsky (R-47) introduced an amendment to HB-6239, An Act Concerning Hydraulic Fracturing Waste in Connecticut, which would encourage innovation and research in Connecticut to address the serious problem of fracking waste disposal in America.

As originally introduced, HB-6239 completely banned the importation and disposal of fracking waste. Under Rep. Dubitsky’s amendment, companies in Connecticut can apply for a permit to conduct scientific research on limited quantities of fracking waste to develop processes to make it less toxic and to recycle it into safe and useful products.

“We want the innovative solution to the nation’s fracking waste problem to be discovered and developed in Connecticut by Connecticut companies and Connecticut workers,” Rep. Dubitsky said. “My amendment would encourage research to recycle this toxic soup of industrial chemicals and help address America’s growing fracking waste problem. We need to enable and encourage Connecticut innovators to solve the problem of unwanted fracking waste. These Connecticut research permits will allow for this vital research and development in our state.”

Rep. Dubitsky’s amendment was unanimously adopted by the House of Representatives with members of both parties speaking in favor of its passage. The bill as amended passed in the House 141-6 with 4 absentees, and will now move onto the Senate for further action.