More fracking in D.C.'s backyard?

We mentioned last week that fracking will be permitted in a national forest in Virginia, near the Potomac's headwaters.

Now the outgoing governor of Maryland, Martin O'Malley, says that he will open up lands in the western portion of that state to fracking, although he touts the stringent regulations he intends to impose.

The Washington Post opines that this may be a saavy preemptive move before a new fracking-friendly administration takes over, but that's not a great comfort as compared with the status quo of preventing the practice entirely. Here's the Post's report.