Environmentalists Urge Mass. Ban On Fracking

Environmentalists are pressing Beacon Hill lawmakers to back a bill that would ban the practice of fracking in Massachusetts.

Fracking refers to the natural gas drilling technique known as hydraulic fracturing that pumps pressurized water mixed with sand and chemicals into well holes to crack open fissures in the ground.

Many environmental groups oppose the process saying it can lead to contaminated drinking water.

The group Environment Massachusetts delivered what it said where the signatures of 11,000 Massachusetts residents to lawmakers supporting a bill that would block the practice in the state.

Rep. Denise Provost is one of the sponsors of the bill. The Somerville Democrat said she's concerned about what she called the toxic waste generated by fracking.

Vermont last year became the first state to ban fracking.