Congress eyes hydraulic fracturing regulations

9-Jun-2009

Oil and gas companies are likely to be following proposals in Congress that would make hydraulic fracturing subject to federal drinking water regulations.

Representative Maurice Hinchey of New York has been calling on the EPA to review the effects that fracturing has on local drinking water supplies. The technology involves using water, sand and other liquids to fracture rock at high pressures.

"While there is value in drilling for natural gas, it's imperative that we do so in a manner that doesn't have long-term environmental consequences on our drinking water," said Hinchey in a recent statement.

A recent Denver Post article says that Representative Diana DeGette has filed a bill that would lift the exemption the practice currently has under federal law, while also requiring companies to report which chemicals they use in the process.

The issue is coming up at a time when development is increasing in the potentially massive Marcellus Shale natural gas reserves, which are located in Pennsylvania and parts of other states.