Oil and Natural Gas - Hydraulic Fracturing - Authorization

SB 878 repeals Maryland’s current ban on hydraulic fracturing for oil and gas exploration and production, authorizing the activity for the first time. It directly affects oil and gas companies seeking to operate in Maryland by allowing them to conduct hydraulic fracturing under new regulations. The bill requires the Maryland Department of the Environment to adopt specific rules governing how fracturing is conducted, including safety and environmental protections. The law takes effect October 1, 2025, replacing the existing prohibition with a regulated authorization framework.