Measures banning local drilling rules pass both chambers

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Legislation that prohibits cities and other local governments from regulating oil and natural gas drilling operations has been approved by Oklahoma lawmakers in both chambers.

House members voted 69-26 for a measure by House Speaker Jeff Hickman of Fairview. The Senate approved a similar bill by President Pro Tem Brian Bingman of Sapulpa by a vote of 36-7.

Oil and gas drilling is regulated by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. The measures ban local governments from regulating oil and gas exploration, drilling, fracturing and production but permits local ordinances involving road use, traffic, noise and fencing for health and safety purposes.

Opponents say the measures don’t go far enough to give local governments the authority to regulate drilling operations near rural homes.

The chambers will now exchange the versions of the legislation.