Texas proposes new rules for shale gas drilling
Texas environmental regulators have formally proposed beefing up regulations on oil and gas drilling, in an attempt to reduce air pollution caused when companies use new technology to extract natural gas trapped in deep shales.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality formally submitted the proposal on Wednesday, and the rules will enter a one-month public comment phase on Aug. 13.
The new rules come after the agency was accused of having weak regulations that contributed to air pollution and high levels of cancer-causing toxins were found in Barnett Shale drilling sites in a tiny north Texas town.
The gases in Barnett, and other shales, had long been inaccessible, but a new method of extracting the fluid known as fracking — or hydraulic fracturing — has led to a new boom in the industry. Many of the shales are in populated areas, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is now studying the drilling’s impact on human health and water quality.
The rapid expansion of shale drilling, especially around urban areas, forced the agency to review its regulations, TCEQ chairman Bryan Shaw said in a statement. “This is the latest step in our efforts to ensure safe air quality in areas where oil and gas production is ongoing,” Shaw said.
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Posted by admin
on July 30th, 2010. Filed under Barnett Shale, Environment, Shale Basins.
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