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Obama on Hydraulic Fracturing

Taken from the Blueprint for A Secure Energy Future

Encouraging Responsible Development Practices for Natural Gas:
Recent technology and operational improvements in extracting natural gas resources, particularly shale gas, have increased gas drilling activities nationally and led to significantly higher natural gas production estimates for decades to come. In order to take full advantage of this important domestic energy resource, we must proactively address concerns that have been raised regarding potential negative impacts associated with hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) practices. That is why the Administration is taking steps to address these concerns and ensure that natural gas production proceeds in a safe and responsible manner. Initiatives supported by the Administration include:

1. Disclosure of Fracking Chemicals:
The Administration is calling on industry to be more transparent about the use of fracking chemicals.

2. Leading by Example:
In April, DOI will hold a series of regional public meetings to discuss the potential for expanding shale gas production on Federal lands. These events will provide a forum to develop a framework for responsible production on public lands.

3. Research:
The Federal government will conduct research to examine the impacts of fracking on water resources. At Congress’ direction, EPA will continue with its study of fracturing impacts on drinking water and surface water, and DOE will likewise sponsor research on these issues.

4. Setting the Bar for Safety and Responsibility:
To provide recommendations from a range of independent experts, the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with the EPA Administrator and Secretary of Interior, should task the Secretary of Energy Advisory Board (SEAB) with establishing a subcommittee to examine fracking issues. The subcommittee will be supported by DOE, EPA and DOI, and its membership will extend beyond SEAB members to include leaders from industry, the environmental community, and states. The subcommittee will work to identify, within 90 days, any immediate steps that can be taken to improve the safety and environmental performance of fracking and to develop, within six months, consensus recommended advice to the agencies on practices for shale extraction to ensure the protection of public health and the environment.

5. Offering Technical Assistance to State Regulators:
States exercise oversight of oil and gas drilling using delegated authority under Federal environmental laws and additional authorities under state law. Some have made more progress than others on enhancing protections to deal with the challenges of fracking. DOE and EPA are establishing a mechanism to provide technical assistance to states to assess the adequacy of existing state regulations. EPA will continue to perform a strong backstop role under Federal environmental laws and will take actions, as necessary, to protect public health and the environment.

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Tags: fracturing, htdraulic

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landowner Comment by Kevin David Johnson on April 7, 2011 at 6:34
I don't know if we can wait until January 2013 to get rid of Obama.  Can we find a way to impeach him NOW?

landowner Comment by Kevin David Johnson on April 7, 2011 at 6:32
Just Drill, baby drill.

landowner Comment by Barbara Andrepont on April 7, 2011 at 6:14
As far as Obummer is concerned isn't there a saying that has something to do with not knowing something from shinola?

landowner Comment by essay on April 1, 2011 at 11:13

actions speak louder than words.  i watched all 45 minutes or so of this speech as far as i'm concerned it was mostly meaningless prattle about increased spending on uneconomic things like electric cars and biofuel.

 

who really thinks we're going to get anything positive or even slightly helpful out of the epa on "fracking"?  who really thinks we're going to get meaningful legislation without crippling federal regulation through the senate, much less signed by obama?

 

i guess hope springs eternal, because every time the administration even breathes the words natural gas certain folks think it's a positive indicator, personally i just think they're being strung along and that any legislation for natural gas vehicles will probably contain not only restrictions/regulations on fracking but just as much if not more language and resources being directed at encouraging electric vehicles.  one thing is for sure, the coal and envirowhacko lobbyists aren't going anywhere, and neither are their deep pockets, so i'm not entirely sure what would have to happen to diminish their influence.

 

as my own interests are deeply involved with natural gas production i will happily come back to this blog post and eat my words if this administration actually turns out to be a true friend of CH4.

 


Oil & Gas Pro Comment by Skip Peel - Mineral Consultant on April 1, 2011 at 4:45
I disagree.  I think safety is a real issue for many Americans.  Especially for much of the population that is totally unfamiliar with, not just hydraulic fracture stimulation, but with oil and gas development in general.  Our little GHS world is far more knowledgeable than the general population and although a poll of member would find 99% think there is no significant risk to the process that is not a realistic reflection of the political forces at work across our nation.  If politicians made unbiased, rational decisions we'd already have an national energy policy that favored natural gas.  Constituent bases and special interests will exert their influences as they always do.  As much as we may think that steps 1 through 5 above are superfluous and wasting time, they must be accomplished to once and for all diminish the influence of the extreme anti-hydrocarbon environmental groups and the protectors of competing energy sources whether that be coal or alternate energy technologies.  As distasteful as much of this process will be for many of us, it has to be done.  Let's get it started so we can get it done and begin to make the necessary changes to national energy use.

landowner Comment by Joe Aldridge on April 1, 2011 at 4:10
Here we go again........... A non-issue that has become an issue.

landowner Comment by Keith Mauck (Site Publisher) on April 1, 2011 at 2:53
Unforunately Obama is coming into this issue with the belief that Hydraulic Fracturing is inherently unsafe, rather than the reality of fracking's soundness.

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