US unveils proposed fracking rules

Regulations: Interior tackles fracking on public lands

John Deer CW-2 USA (Ret.)/San Antonio Helicopter Service

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Luke Johnson

 04 May 2012 18:16 GMT

The US Department of Interior on Friday unveiled long-awaited draft regulations for hydraulic fracturing on public lands, proposing requirements it said would ensure wellbore integrity and that would mandate the disclosure of chemicals used in the controversial stimulation technique.

Industry groups characterised the proposals as redundant of existing state regulations while environmental groups said the requirements were too loose.

The proposed rules would require drillers to publicly disclose the chemical make-up of the fluid pumped into a well to stimulate the flow of hydrocarbons. These disclosures would be required within 30 days after fracking operations have been completed.

That is not enough for groups like the National Resources Defence Council, who worry about fracking due to its presumed links to water contamination.

“Industry does not inspire confidence when it baulks at the notion…

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