Senate approves FERC nominees
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
The United States Senate recently approved two more members of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the federal commission that oversees that nation’s power grid and natural gas pipelines, according to The Associated Press.
After six months without a quorum, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is whole again and able to make decisions on pipelines and other projects. The Senate approved Republican Kevin McIntyre to chair the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and Democrat Richard Glick to round out the five-member panel.
Industry groups were elated about the about the action and urged commissioners to act on long-pending pipeline projects.
Learn more: Business Insider > Senate approves nominees for energy oversight commission
Leave a Comment
Marcellus & Utica Shale Well Map
Additional Shale Maps
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.