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.

The United States Department of Energy funded nine natural gas from shale projects. Most of them are intended to improve the management of hydraulic fracturing water at shale drilling sites or waste water treatment sites. More in an article at Oil & Gas Journal.

A bill has been introduced that, if passed, would give the federal government regulatory authority over the hydraulic fracturing process that is used in many of the unconventional natural gas wells. Backers of the bill say that it is needed to protect ground water from chemicals used in the process. More at the Wall Street Journal.

A group of gas drillers in Arkansas is attempting to sue the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality over permitting methods for wastewater handling at drill sites over the Fayetteville Gas Play. More at the Oil and Gas Journal.

The United States Geological Survey has a new fact sheet titled: “Water Resources and Natural Gas Production from the Marcellus Shale”. It addresses what many consider to be the number one environmental challenge facing the development of the Marcellus Shale – water supply protection.