Researchers at Carnegie Mellon have a $1 million grant to investigate a “holistic approach” for treatment of shale drilling wastewater. More at PopCityMedia.

An “opinion” essay on The Philadelphia Inquirer website supports the idea that “well-regulated gas extraction will not harm water supplies”.

The New York Times has an editorial titled “Finding Natural Gas, Safely” that summarizes legislative bills and federal studies related to natural gas and the environment.

An article on the Houston Chronicle website explores the reasons why the United States Environmental Protection Agency plans to study the potential impact of hydraulic fracturing on human health and the environment.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Lots of people want more out of their low-yield wells! The University of Utah has partnered with a geothermal company to determine if the hydrofracing process will stimulate their low-yield wells in hot rock.

Some leaders in the shale gas industry believe that releasing the composition of hydrofracturing chemicals will disarm those who believe that they are dangerous. More in a Reuters article.

“The Office of Fossil Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory has selected nine new projects targeting environmental tools and technology for shale gas and coalbed methane production. NETL’s goals for these projects are to improve management of water resources, water usage, and water disposal, and to support science that will aid the regulatory and permitting processes required for shale gas development.” Quoted from the DOE announcement.