KCRA: A bill that would temporarily ban fracking in California was approved at its first state legislative committee hearing on Tuesday.
Fracking, which is known more formally as hydraulic fracturing, uses pressured water, and in some cases chemicals, to break up rock deep under ground so that oil and natural gas can be pumped out.
The bill, SB 1132, was introduced by Sen. Holly Mitchell, a Democrat from South Los Angeles.
It would place a moratorium on fracking until a study is completed and...