NC Legislation Overrules Local Fracking Ordinances

Local governments can't legislate against fracking.  A last minute bill came out of the General Assembly leaving no doubts that state government wants hydraulic fracturing in North Carolina.

The final bill approved by the North Carolina General Assembly before it went home this year included language stopping local governments from trying to delay or restrict a new form of natural gas drilling in their backyards.

Last week's legislation is designed to reinforce a ban on cities and counties from ordinances that prohibit directly or indirectly hydraulic fracturing. It says local regulations are invalidated and unenforceable.

Sen. Bob Rucho of Matthews is a longtime fracking proponent. He says the measure addresses any misunderstanding local governments may have about the legislature's previous intent.

The legislation passed after 4 a.m. within a larger bill. Gov. Pat McCrory signed it into law.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.