Chesapeake Energy has been slapped with the largest fine given to date by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for methane migration and for a fire at a well.
Read More “Chesapeake Energy Fined $1.1 Million for Methane Migration and Tank Fire in PA”
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has voted to grant Laser Northeast Gathering, a natural gas pipeline company, status as a public utility. The decision will grant Laser the power to condemn private property by eminent domain. That is, Laser will have the power to run pipelines under people’s property even if they don’t want it.
An opinion piece published in today’s New York Post succinctly (and with attitude) makes the case that hydraulic fracturing is safe and Marcellus Shale drilling should go forward in New York State. A brief extract for your reading pleasure:
Read More “Memo to Actor Mark Ruffalo: Fracking Chemicals are in Your Cosmetics”
One of the issues raised in Marcellus Shale drilling is a concern that pumping water into, and then extracting it out of the ground will bring with it radioactivity from naturally occurring sources deep underground. In particular, the “cuttings” or leftover rock and dirt that come out of the bore hole might contain higher than normal levels of radioactivity. Officials in West Virginia say there’s no reason for concern in their state:
Read More “West Virginia Officials Say Radioactivity from Gas Drilling a Non-Issue”