'Fracking' opponents rap Quinn for supporting bill

CHICAGO (AP) — A coalition of Illinois residents opposed to high-volume gas and oil drilling is criticizing Gov. Pat Quinn for supporting a bill that would establish regulations for the practice.

A group called "Stop the Frack Attack" issued a statement Friday urging Quinn to instead support a 2-year moratorium on high-volume hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking."

On Thursday, two downstate lawmakers introduced a regulatory bill drafted with the help of industry and some environmental groups. The governor released a statement hours later, praising the bill and saying it could help create jobs.

Fracking uses high-pressure mixtures of water, sand or gravel and chemicals to crack open rock formations and release oil and gas. The industry is eyeing southern Illinois' New Albany shale.

Critics say more studies are needed on pollution and health risks.