Today’s Essential Reads
FRACKING:
Fracking Is Neither Safe Nor Harmless to the Environment
In a report entitled “Induced Seismicity Potential in Energy Technologies,” the council noted that in January of 2011, hydraulic fracturing in a well in Eola, Okla., caused 50 earthquakes within a two-mile radius of the drilling site during the first 24 hours of drilling.
New NRDC Fact Sheet Documents How Fracking Can Contaminate Drinking Water Sources
A new NRDC fact sheet is now available on the NRDC website. Entitled: “Hydraulic Fracturing Can Potentially Contaminate Drinking Water Sources,” the concise fact sheet explains the various risks that fracking poses to drinking water both on the surface and underground, and outlines the practices that are essential to minimize the risks of drinking water contamination.
Nationwide Insurance Continues Avoiding Shale Gas Fracking Risks
This past Friday, Nationwide Insurance issued a release stating, “Nationwide’s personal and commercial lines insurance policies were not designed to provide coverage for any fracking-related risks.” The release further stated, “From an underwriting standpoint, we do not have a comfort level with the unique risks associated with the fracking process to provide coverage at a reasonable price.”
States’ Regulation of Fracking Lacking, Report Says
Most states aren’t doing enough to ensure the safety of water and health of communities near gas wells where hydraulic fracturing takes place, according to a new report by a Washington, D.C.-based research and advocacy group.
BP OIL SPILL:
BP Oil Spill: RESTORE Act Raises Stakes For Gulf States
U.S. Gulf Coast states have a higher stake in the amount of money the U.S. government can wring out of BP Plc for the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill due to a new law that would divert billions of dollars in potential BP fines to them.
Studies Show Previously Unseen Effects of 2010 Oil Spill
The BP oil spill hurt more creatures than we can see.
Family: Oily Seashells and Tarballs Led to Sickness
A Foley family said they became seriously ill after swimming on the beach in Gulf Shores where tarballs and oily sea shells were washing up Sunday. James Nolan said their bodies were coated in a tacky, brown tar that was nearly impossible to clean off.
Anonymous Spills Oil Company Emails and Passwords
Five top multinational oil companies have been targeted by members of Anonymous, who published about 1,000 email addresses for accounts belonging to the firms, as well as hashed and unencrypted passwords.
RADIATION:
Radiation from the Fukushima nuclear plant may cause as many as 1,300 cancer deaths globally, according to a study that showed fallout from Tokyo Electric Power Co.’s (9501) crippled reactors may be deadlier than predicted.
