Slashdot Mirror
US Energy Panel Cautiously Endorses Fracking
Hugh Pickens writes "The Christian Science Monitor reports that a U.S. Energy Department advisory panel has endorsed fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, a promising technology that injects a mixture of water, sand, and chemicals underground to fracture rock and release shale gas previously thought unretrievable, paving the way for tens of thousands of new wells. If fracking can be done safely, it could be a major source of domestic energy over the next century. Shale gas makes up about 14 percent of the U.S. natural gas supply today, but is expected to reach 45 percent by 2035. But first, serious environmental concerns must be addressed. Earlier this year, a Duke University study of 68 private groundwater wells in Pennsylvania and New York state found evidence that shale-gas extraction has caused them to become contaminated with methane. One key recommendation by the panel is a call for transparency regarding the use of chemicals in the extraction process. Drillers say they would like to keep the exact formula of the chemicals they use secret because it represents a competitive advantage."
Here's the complete list of the things the US Energy Panel has Cautiously Endorsed this week
* Shooting for oil
* Bristols for oil
* Peeving for oil
* Fracking for oil
* Berkeley Hunting for oil
* Cork-sinking for oil
* Motherfracking for oil
the national association for the advancement of civilization,
the companies who love birds and squirrels and bunnies alliance
the patriotic america loving job creation coalition
the brilliant people who hate losers organization
the anti-baby-killing league of mothers committee
and many many other independent groups, none of whom receive 100% of their funding from the oil and gas companies
Open the taps and light a match?