Hydraulic Fracturing and the Emergent Dormant Commerce Clause

Miller, Stephen

Abstract

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Hydraulic Fracturing and the Emergent Dormant Commerce Clause

Stephen R. Miller

University of Idaho College of Law - Boise

February 11, 2013

ABA SEER Constitutional Law Committee Newsletter, Vol. 9, No. 1, 2013

Abstract:
This essay reviews the increasing prominence of the dormant Commerce Clause in debates over hydraulic fracturing. In particular, the essay is framed around New Jersey Governor Chris Christie’s citing of the dormant Commerce Clause as a reason for vetoing a ban on hydraulic fracturing wastewater disposal passed by the New Jersey Legislature. The Governor’s reasoning is compared to analysis in a New Jersey Office of Legislative Services' memorandum indicating the dormant Commerce Clause would not be implicated by the proposed ban. The legal reasoning of the New Jersey dispute regarding the applicability of the dormant Commerce Clause to hydraulic fracturing is then considered in light of other scenarios around the country.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 8

Keywords: hydraulic fracturing, fracking, dormant Commerce Clause

JEL Classification: K32, Q2, N5, O13, L95

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Date posted: February 12, 2013

Suggested Citation

Miller, Stephen R. , Hydraulic Fracturing and the Emergent Dormant Commerce Clause (February 11, 2013). ABA SEER Constitutional Law Committee Newsletter, Vol. 9, No. 1, 2013. Available at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=2215250

Contact Information

Stephen R. Miller (Contact Author)

University of Idaho College of Law - Boise ( email )

322 E. Front St., Ste. 590
Boise, ID 83702
United States
208-364-4559 (Phone)
208-344-2176 (Fax)