Practice

Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) is becoming safer in Pennsylvania’s Marcellus Shale, thanks at least in part to the state’s regulation of the practice, according to researchers at the University at Buffalo’s (UB) Shale Resources and Society Institute.

Even with the intense media coverage of of hydraulic fracturing (fracking), most people haven’t heard about it or are unfamiliar with the practice, according to a nationwide poll conducted in March by the University of Texas at Austin (UT). Of the one-third familiar with fracking “support outweighed opposition, 48% to 36%.”

Even with the intense media coverage of of hydraulic fracturing (fracking), most people haven’t heard about it or are unfamiliar with the practice, according to a nationwide poll conducted in March by the University of Texas at Austin (UT). Of the one-third familiar with fracking “support outweighed opposition, 48% to 36%.”

Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) can be done safely “as long as the right protections are in place prior to issuance of any permits for the practice,” according to a draft report from North Carolina’s Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

After getting a first hand look at hydraulic fracturing (fracking) operations in Pennsylvania’s Marcellus Shale — and with a comprehensive study of the practice due out in her state later this spring — North Carolina Gov. Bev Perdue on Wednesday said she believes fracking can be done safely.

Going to bat in support of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2013 budget request of $8.344 billion before the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittees on Energy and Power, Environment and the Economy, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson on Tuesday testified that the proposal focuses “on fulfilling EPA’s core mission of protecting public health and the environment, while making the sacrifices and tough decisions that Americans across the country are making every day.” She said the proposal represents an approximate $105 million trim from current funding levels.

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said he completely supports Spectra Energy’s proposal to expand two natural gas pipelines into the city, just days before Monday’s deadline for FERC to take public comments on the project.

Not all the facts are in on the risks of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) well stimulation, so curtailing the practice would be a rush to judgment, according to a new report from the National Regulatory Research Institute (NRRI).

New Brunswick officials are standing firm in their opposition to a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in the province, even as protesters against the practice in the emerging Frederick Brook Shale stage bold acts of civil disobedience.