Fracking debate may be on way to Kentucky

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — The debate over hydraulic fracturing, a technique used to drill oil and natural gas wells, may be coming to Kentucky.

The Lexington Herald-Leader (http://bit.ly/14r9rOQ) reports there’s been increased interest among oil and gas companies in areas of eastern and central Kentucky. Local officials told the newspaper that companies have signed hundreds of new oil and gas leases with property owners over the last year.

Many of the leases are in Lawrence, Johnson and Magoffin counties, though some are in Madison and Rockcastle counties.

Industry engineers say the practice of fracking is safe, but groups have raised concerns over how it affects the environment.

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Information from: Lexington Herald-Leader, http://www.kentucky.com

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