OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The power and frequency of earthquakes in Oklahoma have been increasing, but the Legislature has done little to try to curb the temblors that scientists have linked to the underground disposal of oil and gas drilling wastewater.
That could change this year, as angry residents have been packing town hall meetings and legislative hearings to call for state leaders to address the problem.
The U.S. Geological Survey reports that so far this year, Oklahoma has already had more than 90 earthquakes of magnitude 3.0 or greater, which is when people generally start to feel them.
Governor Mary Fallin recently authorized nearly $1.4 million in emergency funding for state regulators and researchers. But she didn't mention earthquakes in her State of the State address, and Democrats say she isn't doing enough.