Groundwater pollution, possible earthquakes, ownership disputes—there are any number of reasons local governments would prefer for the rulemaking surrounding hydraulic fracturing to take place as close to home as possible. But, as those local regulations become more strict, many states—Colorado and Ohio, for example—would rather they be the ones to have the authority. This stands as one of many touchy issues surrounding hydraulic fracturing, which continues to be as controversial as ever as 2012 winds down.

Joining me today to discuss recent developments is Baker Hostetler attorney Jason Yearout, author on the Utica Marcellus Shale Monitor.