EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Bill amends the Oil, Gas and Salt Resources Act to prohibit hydraulic fracturing and activities related to hydraulic fracturing for the purpose of the exploration for or production of oil or gas trapped in shale.

Bill 130 2023

An Act to amend the Oil, Gas and Salt Resources Act to prohibit hydraulic fracturing and related activities

His Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario, enacts as follows:

1 The Oil, Gas and Salt Resources Act is amended by adding the following section:

Prohibition, hydraulic fracturing

9 (1)  Subject to subsection (2) and despite any provision of this Act or any other Act, no person shall engage in hydraulic fracturing or activities related to hydraulic fracturing for the purpose of the exploration for or production of oil or gas trapped in shale.

Same

(2)  Subsection (1) does not apply to a person engaging in an activity if the activity is otherwise authorized under this Act and a licence or permit in respect of the activity was granted by the Minister under this Act on or before the day section 1 of the Oil, Gas and Salt Resources Amendment Act (Anti-Fracking), 2023 comes into force.

2 Subsection 19 (1) of the Act is amended by adding the following clause:

(a.1) contravene subsection 9 (1);

Commencement

3 This Act comes into force on the day it receives Royal Assent.

Short title

4 The short title of this Act is the Oil, Gas and Salt Resources Amendment Act (Anti-Fracking), 2023.