Fracking is coming to Illinois. The state, which has sat on the sidelines as new technologies using high-pressure fracturing techniques to extract natural gas have launched energy booms in long-dormant states, could see a boomlet of its own in coming months.
Energy companies are scrambling to strike lease deals with landowners and mineral rights owners in the southeastern part of the state, with leasing rates rising as firms vie to win control of more land for drilling. The first test wells in the region are expected to be drilled in the next month or two.
