Posts tagged as fracking

Last week, soon-to-be-former New York Governor David Paterson surprised many when he vetoed the fracking moratorium and signed an executive order that creates loopholes that could allow some kinds of fracking to continue.  Paterson explained that, “Enacting this legislation would put people out of work…,” referring to jobs associated with drilling. But, there’s another labor force that’s threatened by fracking: upstate New York farmers. Read more…

Outgoing New York Governor David Paterson vetoed the hydraulic fracturing moratorium legislation, going against the votes of the State Legislature, and issued an executive order that allows fracking for specific types of drilling.

Lame duck and outgoing New York Governor David Paterson made a surprising move over the weekend when he chose to veto the hydraulic fracturing moratorium legislation approved by the State Legislature and instead issued an executive order that allows fracking for specific types of drilling. While the moratorium on new drilling will be extended, which is good, the moratorium is only applied to hydraulic fracturing for horizontal drilling, which is bad. Paterson’s veto weakens regulations, makes things a bit more confusing and creates opportunities for the continued use of hydraulic fracturing for vertical drilling— just what energy companies were wishing for this holiday season. Read more…

Pittsburgh has become the first place in Pennsylvania to ban the drilling of natural gas. On November 16, the Pittsburgh City Council voted unanimously to establish the “first-in-the-nation ordinance,” to prevent drilling of natural gas — also known as hydraulic fracturing or fracking — within the city limits. This is in direct conflict with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, which permits drilling. Some point to the promise of economic opportunities and jobs that the natural gas industry could bring to the region . But many believe that those opportunities are not guaranteed, and that the risks of drilling far outweigh the benefits. Pittsburgh demonstrated that it would rather invest in a long-term future, one that is free from health and environmental risks. Read more…

The E.P.A. subpoenaed nine drilling companies, including Halliburton, to find out exactly what chemicals they use for hydraulic fracturing. Eight of them, not including Halliburton, are cooperating and will provide the requested information by early December. Halliburton replied that it will “endeavor to complete its response” by the end of January. Does Halliburton think they are an exception to the rule? Oh, wait… they actually are the exception. Read more…

Not so fast, natural gas! Last night at 12:15 a.m., the New York State Senate passed a yearlong moratorium on gas drilling 49 to 9, taking the state one step closer to being the first to stop hydraulic fracturing. The vote hampers energy companies’ efforts to continue fracking in New York’s section of the Marcellus Shale until the potential environmental impact is more closely studied. Read more…

Pay attention, New York. Don’t let them frack with your water. As of 2010, you have some of the best tasting water in the U.S., something that should make New Yorkers very proud. Today, natural gas drillers are targeting your state. Let’s fast forward to 2020, if the gas drillers get their way: Natural gas drilling has taken over the southern portion of the state, and hydraulic fracturing—also called fracking—has contributed to major contamination of the state’s public water infrastructure. People can’t drink from the tap due to toxic chemicals that have overrun the system. Is this what you want for America’s second-best water? Read more…

Hydraulic fracturing or “fracking” — the process by which natural gas is extracted from rock formations — has been the focus of critical attention in recent weeks.

There’s been quite a lot of talk about natural gas lately. In particular, hydraulic fracturing or “fracking” — the process by which natural gas is extracted from rock formations — has been the focus of critical attention in recent weeks. Our report and fact sheet can fill in any blanks on the subject. This method of extraction has allowed access to gas that was previously out of reach. Since the early 2000’s, companies have positioned themselves in various locations around the country where natural gas is abundant — from the Barnett Shale formation in Texas to the Marcellus Shale formation, which covers parts of Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky and Maryland, and has attracted the most attention. Read more…