Enviros Seek Repeal of Fracking Loophole

"Four years after Vice President Dick Cheney spearheaded a massive energy bill that exempted natural gas drilling from federal clean water laws, Congress is having second thoughts about the environmental dangers posed by the burgeoning industry.

With growing evidence that the drilling can damage water supplies, Democratic leaders in Congress are circulating legislation that would repeal the extraordinary exemption and for the first time require companies to disclose all chemicals used in the key drilling process, called hydraulic fracturing.

The proposed legislation has already stirred sharp debate."

Abrahm Lustgarten reports for ProPublica May 26, 2009.

See Also:

"Faceoff Over 'Fracking': Water Battle Brews On Hill" NPR/Morning Edition)