A top N.C. House advocate of hydraulic fracturing told reporters this afternoon that he accepts a report from state environmental regulators spelling out a process for North Carolina to proceed with shale gas exploration.
Rep. Mitch Gillespie, R-McDowell, says he also expects to work out what he calls mostly minor differences with Senate counterparts by the time the General Assembly reconvenes for its short session in May. Gillespie says he expects the House and Senate will put forward one piece of legislation this year. Even if lawmakers endorse the plan, Gillespie says he expects shale gas drilling could be at least a couple of years away.
Click play below to watch the 46-minute briefing from Gillespie and Reps. Mike Stone, R-Lee, and Pricey Harrison, D-Guilford.
