The U.S. Department of Interior's Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced a proposal to regulate hydraulic fracturing on public lands. The proposal requires producers to disclose the ingredients for their fracing fluids, but does include a concession to producers by only requiring the chemicals in the fluids be disclosed after drilling has started. Previously, the composition of these fluids were to have been disclosed 30 days prior to drilling.
The proposal also includes regulations to ensure the stability of the well casings as well as ensuring that fracing fluids and waste water don't leak into the surrounding soil.
Such measures have largely been opposed by the industry, which has pointed out states and municipalities already have hydraulic fracturing regulations in place and many companies voluntarily disclose the chemicals in their fracing fluids.
"We will be doing a thorough review of the proposal but at first glance it indicates that the Department of the Interior and, in particular the Bureau of Land Management, may not fully appreciate the significant regulatory steps already undertaken by states such as Colorado, Texas, Wyoming and others to oversee the safe and responsible development of natural gas through the use of hydraulic fracturing," Tom Amontree, executive vice president of America's Natural Gas Alliance, said in a news release.
“State regulatory bodies have repeatedly proven that they have the understanding of their state’s own unique geologic conditions, the on-the-ground expertise needed to oversee this important work, and most importantly, the ability to respond to rapid change. The proposal as drafted would create reporting requirements, regulatory impediments and certifications that could substantially affect the ability to produce resources that are placed in the BLMs stewardship for the benefit of all American," he added.
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