US federal judge rules against allowing government to regulate fracking on public lands
Saturday, June 25, 2016
The Obama administration has been trying to limit fracking on U.S. public lands, but that effort was struck down earlier this week by a federal judge.
The Washington Post reports that the Bureau of Land Management will not be able to move forward with a rule from last year that would place more restrictions on fracking, including specific well designs, requirements for liquid waste storage and disclosure of what chemicals are injected into the ground.
There will likely be an appeal to the ruling, according to the source.
Read more: The Washington Post > Federal judge says Obama administration lacks authority to halt fracking on public lands
Related:
- Federal fracking rules announced for wells on public lands – March 20, 2015
- Public land drilling OK’d in Pennsylvania, no limits set on lease money – Jan. 15, 2015
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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.