Obama administration releases methane emissions regulations
Monday, May 16, 2016
On May 12, the Obama administration announced steps to regulate methane emissions from oil and gas operations. Methane is the main component of natural gas and plays a role in climate change.
The Washington Post reports that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s new rule will reduce emissions from new or modified wells. This rule won’t affect the majority of oil and gas rigs, well pads and equipment, but EPA intends to regulate those in the future.
Ultimately, the new rules should help to reduce air pollution and negative public health impacts as well as to combat climate change.
Read more: The Washington Post > Obama administration announces historic new regulations for methane emissions from oil and gas
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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.