Rules restricting methane emissions to move forward in Pa.
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
More than three years since they were rolled out, new regulations restricting methane emissions from existing natural gas wells will finally get a hearing before a statewide rulemaking body, according to the Pennsylvania Capital-Star.
The push comes as Republican President Donald Trump rolls back restrictions on the potent greenhouse gas.
Gov. Tom Wolf rolled out his methane restrictions in January 2016. Two years later, in the summer of 2018, the governor and the Department of Environmental Protection created permits restricting methane emissions from any new natural gas wells or pipelines. But permits that restrict existing wells have taken longer.
Learn more: Pennsylvania Capital-Star > Pa. environmental board will vet proposed rules restricting potent greenhouse gas emission
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Shale FAQ
What is fracking?
Fracking is a slang term for hydraulic fracturing. Fracturing is a process by which highly pressurized fluid is pumped thousands of feet into the ground to fracture rock formations. The goal is to release the natural gas that’s locked inside the rock.
Is it safe?
What most concerns people about fracturing is ground water contamination. The worry is that fractures underground, caused by the process, will extending upwards and into aquifers, releasing gas and chemicals into the ground water supply. There’s been no confirmed reports of such a thing happening. Though surface spills and drill site blowouts can lead to localized environmental concerns.
Will my water catch on fire?
Flammable water is caused by the release of methane gas into a drinking water supply. Methane gas occurs naturally and can be released by any kind of drilling, including water wells. In Pennsylvania officials fined Chesapeake Energy $1 million for contaminating ground water with methane. It was determined that the company had not properly cemented it’s boreholes and gas migrated up the well, between rock and into aquifers.