News Round-Up: August 17, 2012

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Today’s Essential Reads

FRACKING:

Credibility Of UT Fracking Study & Review Panel Questioned

First, the scientific credibility of a recent University of Texas study on fracking was questioned. Now, there are concerns centered on the special panel convened to review the study’s findings.

Fracking Watchdog is Linked to Oil Industry

A retired aerospace executive — appointed to review a controversial study on hydraulic fracturing after it was disclosed the author has strong industry ties — has strong industry ties himself.

Natural Gas Well Burst Kills One, Injures Three In Colorado

A high-pressure burst of natural gas at a well operated by Canadian energy giant Encana Corporation in Colorado killed one man and injured three other workers on Wednesday, the company and local authorities said.

Fracking Fallout in Ohio: ‘Throwing Up Until the Blood Vessels in My Eyes Burst’

When Jamie Frederick bought her home outside Youngstown, Ohio, a little more than three years ago, she was unaware that her neighbor had already leased his land to a natural gas company. Neither did she know that the gas company had already fracked the shale beneath her home.

BP OIL SPILL:

Chevron Appeals Brazil Ban, Seeks Oil Field Restart

Chevron , the No. 2 U.S. oil company, has appealed against an injunction banning it and its drilling contractor Transocean Ltd from operating in Brazil while civil and criminal charges over an oil spill last November are judged.

US Oil Drilling Rules Slammed

Government regulators issued a final set of safety rules for offshore drilling, fine-tuning a series of emergency measures put in place after the BP oil spill in 2010.

Florida AG Questions BP Oil Spill Settlement

State Attorney General Pam Bondi says a proposed settlement with BP over the Gulf of Mexico oil spill may leave Floridians shortchanged.

Teen’s Paintings Helps Birds Harmed by BP Oil Spill

Two years after the worst oil spill in U.S. history, 10 new studies are revealing the long-term impact of the BP oil spill. The Gulf of Mexico’s ecosystems absorbed the insult of 4.9 million barrels of crude oil. It’s estimated 102 species of birds have been harmed.

RADIATION:

Elderly Fukushima Plant Volunteer Appeals for U.S. Help

A cofounder of a group of retirees who have volunteered to help contain the Fukushima nuclear crisis is seeking U.S. pressure to get the central government to act more swiftly in addressing the dangerous situation.

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Stuart H. Smith is an attorney based in New Orleans fighting major oil companies and other polluters.
Cooper Law Firm

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