Fracking Industry Needs to Follow Laws, Too

If mining is as safe as the industry claims, then gas companies have nothing to fear from federal oversight

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The shale gas industry has developed faster than legislation could initially regulate it, but I do not doubt that our lawmakers will soon be on top of it. Regardless of what has been done, America needs resources recovered from the completion technique of fracturing tight oil and gas. The EPA estimates that shale gas will make up nearly half of the natural gas we consume by 2030 (EPA), greatly reducing dependence on imports and costing less and burning cleaner than the other fossil fuels that currently about 60% (Wikipedia) of our energy consumption.

All those reading this comment should fire up their search engines and see that the Pavillion, Wyoming findings were conclusively linked to chemicals from fracking (Denver Post). The EPA has been studying fracturing extensively and will release their preliminary results later this year.

Meanwhile, the 'fracking industry' is reeling it in right now, which is why states with large tight gas reserves from Texas to North Dakota to Virginia are among the country's fastest growing economies (24/7 Wall St.), a boost I daresay New York could use.

The title of the debate, 'Is fracking a good idea?', was not touched upon by this 'NO' article, which focused on the need for regulation and the senator's propositions. I agree that 'Fracking industry needs to follow laws, too', but it's still a good idea! Horizontal drilling and hydraulically fracturing tight oil and gas formations is the most realistic option we have right now to answering our growing energy needs.

DJ Murray of TX 4:36PM June 18, 2012

Rengle, the article has this title not because these companies are breaking laws, but because in 2005 the industry was given an exception to the Safe Water Drinking Act. The argument is that the industry should have to follow the same laws that apply to other industries, to municipalities, and to citizens.

A Swindells of KY 11:15PM February 12, 2012

That is why the oil industry should be using Enviro Voraxial Technology... EVTN

lynn Worobel of NJ 2:43PM January 24, 2012

And sadly, this is another straw man argument by Hinchey. The statement, "Fracking Industry Needs to Follow Laws, Too" implies that there are a bunch of awful degenerate hoodlums delivering energy at the end of a loaded shotgun...

RENGLE of NY 4:58PM December 27, 2011

EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson testified in a Senate Hearing Committee "I'm not aware of any proven case where the fracking process itself has affected water... US Senate, May 6th, 2011.

rengle of NY 4:55PM December 27, 2011

While I'm pleased about Hinchey's involvement with this issue, the FRAC Act is a huge political red herring. We know what's in fracking fluid. We know it's really bad. Shooting for "the minimum" is not something we should applaud in our elected officials. Have the bravery to just say no. Stop grandstanding with the actors and stop donating funds to Tom DiNapoli's campaigns.

Todd Spire of NY 12:01PM December 10, 2011

Sponsored by Shell. Priceless.

Todd Spire of NY 11:53AM December 10, 2011

the proliferation of these fracking wells will end up up destroying our ground water. the fact they do not have to follw the standards orf all other industies is criminal and the people who made it possible should be prosecuted for endangering our health and welfare

bob day of AL 11:03AM December 07, 2011

Fracking is the wrong way to go.

There is no cumulative impact study yet that fully describes the impact and cost of all that it does and does not do:

contaminated aquifers

contaminated wells

underground migration of toxic fluids

where to put waste (not on roads in winter - really!)

value of loosing farm animals

value of loosing wildlife

value of loosing wetlands

value of real estate devaluation

cost of long term care for illness caused by exposure to chemicals - or death

community costs

roads, bridges repair/replacement

air filtration

THE COST IS THE CARBON CONTRIBUTION TO THE PLANET - in the 100 yr cycle, shale gas contributes more than coal. SHALE GAS IS NOT CLEAN.... and it is not natural.

Ruth Hardinger of NY 10:26PM December 01, 2011

by 2015 in the sunniest parts of the US, solar electricity will be as cheap as that made by coal or oil. Solar panels are coming down 7 % per annum. It's analogous to Moore's law. As far as natural gas, you can't cant drink it except when it comes out of your faucet after they hydrofrack. Remember BP how they ruined the gulf.

bob elmendorf of ND 9:44PM December 01, 2011

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