Friday, Jun 21 2013 2:25PM

The EPA will no longer pursue fracking-related water pollution claims in Wyoming.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that it will no longer pursue an investigation into a preliminary report that indicated natural gas fracking led to the pollution of a Wyoming aquifer. 

The initial report that linked fracking and water contamination was released in 2011, and led to a backlash against the practice from environmentalists, while industry supporters and state officials argue that hydraulic fracturing has never played a role in water pollution.

The EPA most recently said it will not finalize the report or seek a peer review of its findings. Instead, it will allow state officials in Wyoming to take over the investigation. 

"In light of this announcement, we believe that EPA's focus going forward should be on using our resources to support Wyoming's efforts, which will build on EPA's monitoring results," said EPA Acting Administrator Bob Perciasepe. "We applaud the leadership of Wyoming in conducting further investigation and assuring safe water and look forward to partnering with the State as it conducts its investigation."

Fracking has become a more controversial issue as of late, particularly in rural areas that rely solely on aquifers and wells to gain access to water system services. In several states where fracking occurs, including Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah and Wyoming, rural areas are simultaneously experiencing drought and see agricultural output decline, according to The Associated Press. As a result, some rural locations are considering outlawing the practice to ensure safe access to water resources. 

For more information, check out these resources: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, The Associated Press