Lynne Weaver with the consumer protection office in the state Department of Justice discussed with legislators Thursday a draft report the General Assembly directed her office to complete as it considers whether to legalize hydraulic fracturing, or fracking.

 

Weaver said many residents are unaware of how mineral rights work and how it could negatively affect their mortgage. Her report suggested legislators give landowners a period of time to back out of any leasing arrangement.

 

The Legislature next month is expected to debate fracking regulations, but drilling would not be allowed until 2014 at the earliest