STEVE SZKOTAK
Associated Press

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Gov. Terry McAuliffe says horizontal fracking for natural gas will not occur in the George Washington National Forest.

McAuliffe made that assertion Wednesday at the inaugural meeting of the state panel seeking to protect Virginia from rising seas.

McAuliffe said he based his prediction on talks he has had with federal officials, and said he believes they are in “mutual agreement” on his position.

The Forest Service did not immediately respond to The Associated Press for comment.

Environmental and conservation groups have sounded the alarm that National Forest officials will be swayed by the energy industry to allow fracking in the 1.1-million-acre forest. Most of it lies in Virginia, but a portion includes West Virginia.

A primary concern is the industrial footprint in the national forest.

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