Joseph Aldy, special assistant to President Obama for matters related to energy and the environment says that there is not enough evidence to say if hydraulic fracturing fluids are damaging the environment , however, releasing the composition of the fluids would avoid regulation that might require it. More on the Reuters website.

An article in the Houston Chronicle explains how the natural gas industry must now “make a case” because many lawmakers have a strong preference for renewable energy sources and those which are perceived to be more environmentally friendly.

A study of seismic activity near Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport by researchers from SMU and UT-Austin reveals that the operation of a saltwater injection disposal well in the area was a “plausible cause” for the series of small earthquakes that occurred in the area between October 30, 2008, and May 16, 2009.

Daniel Fisher, a senior editor at Forbes has a blog post titled: “A New World of Cheap Gas“. In the post he explores the impact of new gas production on contract rates, natural gas uses, the impact on renewable energy technology, government policy and more.

The Headline article in the West Virginia Observer gives a review of the objections to hydraulic fracturing and discusses potential actions by the West Virginia legislature aimed at protecting public health and the environment.

An article on the Syracuse.com website reports that Chesapeake Energy wants to store 663 million (??) gallons of hydrofrack water produced in Pennsylvania in a well about a mile from Keuka Lake.

The House Commerce and Energy Committee is writing to oil field service companies to get information on the chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing and environmental impacts. More in an article in the Houston Chronicle.

Calvin Tillman, the Mayor of Dish, Texas gave a two hour presentation on how to prevent the harmful effects of natural gas drilling at the Elmira Heights Theater in Elmira Heights, New York. He encouraged local officials to “take control” of what happens in their jurisdiction. More at The Online Leader.

Drilling and hydrofracking a well in one of the natural gas plays such as the Marcellus or Haynesville requires at least a million gallons of water with chemical additives and will become salty when it comes in contact with subsurface brines. An article on the Reuters website explores this problem in New York.

Most of the publicity about natural gas drilling in New York has focused on environmental concerns and limiting resource development. A recent assembly of people in Binghamton focused on the rights of property owners to benefit from their resource. More in an article on Reuters.com.

An executive of Gazprom, the largest producer of natural gas in the world, says it is “unimaginable” that Europe will allow the development of its shale gas resources because of concerns with water supply contamination. More in an article in The Telegraph.

An article on the Boston.com website explores the quandary that natural gas shales present: developing them has environmental risk but replacing other fossil fuels with them has environmental advantages. How do they sit on the balance?

The Houston Chronicle website reports on comments made by oil and gas company leaders at a hearing before the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee. The comments were consistent… Natural gas can be produced in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.

Some legislators in Harrisburg are trying to raise more revenue from the Marcellus Shale while others are trying to put on the brakes to reduce environmental impacts. More in an article at Philly.com.

An AP article in the Charleston Daily Mail says that “gas drilling in Appalachia yields a foul byproduct” – in reference to the wastewater associated with hydraulic fracturing.