News Round-Up: July 18, 2012

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Today’s Essential Reads

FRACKING:

State Well Inspections ‘Inadequate’

The state lags in inspecting oil and gas wells, and is not ready to handle what could be a deluge of wells if it allows natural gas hydraulic fracturing, according to a report issued Tuesday by group against fracking.

A New Report on Fracking Can Change the Debate On US Energy Practices

A new report out of Great Britain is sure to add more fuel to the hydrofracking debate.

Protecting Groundwater: A Guide To Fracking Risks And Best Practices

As controversy over the use of hydraulic fracturing mounts across the U.S., the Natural Resources Defense Council has produced a handy fact sheet on best practices that can reduce risks of pollution from the technique.

Residents Concerned About Effects of Possible Drilling in Talladega National Forest

Although the lease of lands in the Talladega National Forest by the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service has been postponed, many don’t consider the fight to be over just yet.

BP OIL SPILL:

Reports: BP Planning on $11 Billion to Cover Oil Spill Damages

Global media is reporting BP is nearing a settlement with the United States for the worst oil spill in American history.

Coalition Offers Vision for Gulf Restoration

More than two years after the catastrophic BP oil spill, environmental groups say billions of dollars BP is expected to spend on restoration should go toward buying tens of thousands of acres of coastal land for conservation, rebuilding Louisiana’s eroding wetlands and creating nearly 200 miles of oyster reefs.

Gulf Restoration After Oil Spill Should Include Conservation Land Purchases

More than two years after the catastrophic BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, environmental groups say billions of dollars the British oil giant is expected to spend on restoration should go toward buying tens of thousands of acres of coastal land for conservation, rebuilding Louisiana’s eroding wetlands and creating nearly 200 miles of oyster reefs. Under the Oil Pollution Act, companies must pay to restore areas fouled by a spill.

BP PLC : Shell Faces $5 Billion Fine Over Nigeria Bonga Oil Spill

Nigerian regulators have told parliament that Royal Dutch Shell should be fined $5 billion for environmental damaged caused by an oil spill at its offshore Bonga field, one of the biggest in the history of Africa’s largest energy industry.

RADIATION:

Fukushima Watch: Attack of the Anti-Nuclear Jellyfish

As protests continue in Japan against the restart of reactors at the Oi nuclear plant, the country’s anti-nuclear forces have found an unlikely champion: the jellyfish.

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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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