To amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to require testing of underground sources of drinking water in connection with hydraulic fracturing operations, and for other purposes.

House Bill

H.R. 6116

119th Congress

To amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to require testing of underground sources of drinking water in connection with hydraulic fracturing operations, and for other purposes.

In Committee

Introduced:Nov 18, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Frank J. Pallone Jr.

Representative

Democratic

NJ-6

Cosponsors

30

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Government Operations and Politics

Summary

This bill would require companies that use hydraulic fracturing (also known as 'fracking') for oil, gas, or geothermal production to regularly test nearby underground drinking water sources for any harmful chemicals or contaminants that could be associated with their operations. The goal is to monitor and protect local water supplies from potential impacts of fracking activities.

Latest Action

Became Public Law No: 118-217.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill would require companies that use hydraulic fracturing (also known as 'fracking') for oil, gas, or geothermal production to regularly test nearby underground drinking water sources for any harmful chemicals or contaminants that could be associated with their operations. The goal is to monitor and protect local water supplies from potential impacts of fracking activities.

Last updated: 12/29/2025

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 14280 South Military Trail in Delray Beach, Florida, as the "Benjamin Berell Ferencz Post Office Building."

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Requires testing of underground drinking water near fracking sites before operations begin, every 6 months during operations, and for 5 years after operations end
Mandates that test results be reported to the Environmental Protection Agency and made publicly available online
Applies to all new fracking sites as well as existing sites that plan to resume operations

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

If passed, this bill would directly impact communities located near fracking operations by giving them greater transparency and data about the potential impacts on their local water supplies. Residents would be able to access reports on any contamination found, allowing them to take protective actions. The increased monitoring could also incentivize fracking companies to operate more safely to avoid any adverse findings.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Government Operations and Politics

Related Subjects

Congressional tributes

Florida

Government buildings, facilities, and property

Postal service

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

6116, 119th Congress (2025). "To amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to require testing of underground sources of drinking water in connection with hydraulic fracturing operations, and for other purposes.". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-6116