Today’s Essential Reads
FRACKING:
I have come to believe that extracting natural gas from shale using the newish technique called hydrofracking is the environmental issue of our time. And I think you should, too.
EPA to Develop National Regulations on Disposal of Fracking Wastewater
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to increase oversight of the natural gas extraction industry, announcing it will develop national standards for the disposal of polluted wastewater generated by hydraulic fracking from coal bed and shale formations.
International Water Expert Warns of Potential Risks From Coal Seam Gas Mining
Traditionally, extracting coal seam gas has used less water than mining for coal. But with the rise of hydraulic fracturing or ‘fracking’ as a way to obtain hard to access gas, water use and the potential for pollution has also increased.
Questions About Frack Wastewater
The following statement and questions were submitted to the Niagara Falls Water Board one month ago by local citizens concerned about Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s proposal to process toxic frack wastewater at its Buffalo Avenue treatment plant and discharge it into the Niagara River. As of this writing, the Water Board has not responded.
Syracuse Latest City to Ban Hydrofracking
The city of Syracuse became the latest municipality to ban a controversial technique used with natural gas drilling, following Albany, Buffalo and a dozen or so towns that have moved to restrict or prohibit hydraulic fracturing within its limits.
BP OIL SPILL:
EU Crackdown on Oil Firms Will Not Extend to Overseas Operations
European plans to crack down on oil companies, with orders to improve safety to prevent a spill like that in the Gulf of Mexico last year, will be unveiled on Thursday.
GOP presidential hopeful Herman Cain wants to achieve energy independence in the U.S. He believes that to do so, we should tap into the oil reserves of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge,according to the Fiscal Times. The same refuge that provides a home to countless species of wildlife, some of which are endangered. The same refuge that has trouble enough due to climate change, which is currently putting walruses at risk.
U.S. Wildcat Culture Risks Macondo Oil Spill Repeat, Graham Says
The U.S. risks a repeat of the 2010 Macondo oil spill as its “wildcat culture” fails to put a premium on safety and security, the co-chairman of the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spillsaid.
Coast Guard Updating Oil Spill Claim Procedures In Response To Deepwater Horizon Spill
The Coast Guard has made adjustments to its claims processing procedures for disasters of the scope of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and it intends to finalize those new procedures in official guidance next week, according to congressional investigators.
RADIATION:
China Urges IAEA to Solve Iran Nuclear Issue Through Dialogue, Negotiations
