SECTION 1.
The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this act to protect the public health and welfare, natural and environmental resources, and the economic value of private and public property in the state.
(b) The Legislature recognizes that hydraulic fracturing poses serious threats to California’s air, water, climate, environment, wildlife, and public health.
(c) The Legislature further recognizes that hydraulic fracturing is currently occurring in California with scarce monitoring or regulation and almost completely undisclosed to the people of the state.
(d) Although some potential impacts from hydraulic fracturing are currently under investigation by federal agencies, other states, and academic and research institutions, no independent and scientific investigations are being undertaken or have been completed in California to examine the risks to the state’s unique geologic, geographic, atmospheric, and environmental conditions and resources.
(e) There is scarce independent information, investigation, and analysis regarding the tools and mechanisms available to assess the risks and impacts of hydraulic fracturing and to protect the public health and welfare and the environmental resources from these impacts.
(f) The Legislature recognizes the immediate need to protect against, and prepare for, the emergencies and impacts related to hydraulic fracturing as well as the related activities that could range from small localized events to far-reaching disasters with complex consequences that could require the involvement and coordination among many agencies. Mechanisms to ensure funding, coordination, and equipment for response to these impacts are urgently needed to be identified and adopted.