Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn signed legislation Mondaygiving the state the nation's strictest regulations for high-volume oil and gas drilling.
In a news release, Quinn says the law will "unlock the potential" for thousands of jobs in southern Illinois while protecting the environment. Quinn's signature was expected after the measure sailed through the Illinois Legislature.
The process called "fracking" probably won't begin in earnest in the state until next year because the Department of Natural Resources must adopt rules to mirror the regulations and hire dozens of new engineers, inspectors and regulators.
The law was crafted with the help of industry and some environmental groups. The unusual collaboration has been touted as a potential model for other states.
