Oklahoma House Passes Drilling Regulation Ban Bill

The Oklahoma Geological Survey said it's "very likely" our state's earthquakes have been triggered by oil and gas wastewater disposal wells.

Now, a new measure making its way through the State Capitol could change how cities and towns regulate drilling operations. If passed, Senate Bill 809 would prohibit cities and towns to regulate oil and gas drilling.

The legislation was authored by Republican House Speaker Jeff Hickman. On Wednesday, the House voted 64 to 32 in favor of the bill.

Despite calling for banning communities to regulate, the bill still allows for local laws involving traffic, noise, and odor, among other factors.

The legislation now heads to the Senate for consideration.