RALIEGH (AP) — Legislation to legalize fracking in North Carolina is now in the hands of Governor Beverly Perdue.
The Senate passed the bill to legalize and develop regulations for hydraulic fracturing in a 29-15 vote today.
The fracking process involves injecting a drilled well with chemicals, water and sand to crack shale rock and release natural gas.
One senator on each side spoke on the bill that has received almost no debate by legislators outside of the House.
Various environmental groups have taken a stance against the hydraulic fracturing. A spokesman for the governor says Perdue has received thousands of emails and phone calls overwhelmingly against fracking.
She has previously expressed tempered support for fracking. She has 10 days to consider a veto.