(RALEIGH) -- The issue of fracking continues to be a hotly debate topic around North Carolina. Ellis Hankins, the Executive Director of the North Carolina League of Municipalities, said it is a state, county and municipal issue.

"Most of these operations would take place outside of municipalities, maybe not far outside municipalities," said Hankins.  "Some of those areas are in the extra territory or planning jurisdiction of municipalities where the city might have a zoning land use control and regulatory authority."

At the state level, the Environmental Management Commission can adopt regulations that would allow or disallow hydraulic fracturing for energy exploration.