[ExI] Hydraulic Fracturing [WAS Re: Cephalization, proles...]

[BillK]

On Tue, May 31, 2011 at 8:08 AM, Rafal Smigrodzki wrote:
> ### Yeah, I and everybody who cares to read up, knows there is water,
> sand, bleach, detergent and oil in the fluid. What else do you want to
> know?
>
>

Or maybe not?
Two news items indicate that people still want to know the details.

<http://coloradoindependent.com/79273/degette-polis-once-again-introduce-frac-act-to-bring-federal-oversight-to-gas-fracking>
Quote:
DeGette, Polis once again introduce FRAC Act to bring federal
oversight to gas fracking
By David O. Williams  03.15.11

U.S. Reps. Diana DeGette and Jared Polis, both Colorado Democrats,
have once again introduced the Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness
of Chemicals Act (FRAC Act) to regain federal regulatory authority
over the natural gas drilling process known as hydraulic fracturing,
or fracking.

DeGette and Polis unsuccessfully ran the legislation last session,
seeking to close the so-called “Halliburton Loophole” named for the
oil and gas services company previously headed up by former Vice
President Dick Cheney. It was during the Bush-Cheney administration in
2005 that Congress granted hydraulic fracturing an exemption from
federal regulation under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
------------------


<http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2011/05/30/6746033-texas-may-soon-make-frack-chemicals-public>
Quote:
Texas may soon make 'frack' chemicals public
Mon May 30, 2011

HOUSTON — Texas could soon become the first state to require drilling
companies to publicly disclose the chemicals they use to crack tight
rock formations in their search for natural gas.
Legislation approved Sunday night in the Texas House could prompt the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other states to make similar
rules. The governor hasn't indicated whether he'll sign it.

Many companies refuse to say what chemicals are used, arguing it could
harm their competitive edge. Others fear the chemicals could taint
groundwater or soil.
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BillK