US House to look into fracking

related stories

By News Wires

 18 February 2010 18:19 GMT

US lawmakers today announced an investigation of a drilling method that has allowed companies to tap abundant supplies of natural gas in shale beds but has also generated complaints about polluted drinking water.



Some Congress members want to give the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) authority to regulate hydraulic fracturing technology.

The US House Energy and Commerce Committee said it was investigating the impact of the technology on the environment and public health, and the EPA said it would start working with Congress to study the matter.

"As we use this technology in more parts of the country on a much larger scale, we must ensure that we are not creating new environmental and public health problems," said committee chairman, democratic representative Henry Waxman.

"This investigation…

Become an Upstream member!

Membership includes a subscription to our weekly newspaper providing in-depth news from the energy industry, plus full-access to this site and its archives. Still not convinced? Try our free trial.

Already a member?

Login

Upstream share price index