CHRIS TOMLINSON
Associated Press
AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas House on Wednesday approved what would be the nation’s first law to require drilling companies to publicly disclose the contents of fluids used in hydraulic fracturing.
Dozens of companies pump fluid into shale formations to break up the rock in order to extract natural gas, a process known as fracking. Most companies presently keep the chemical composition of the fluid secret.
Under the bill approved Wednesday, natural gas drillers would have to report the content of the fluid to the Texas Railroad Commission. If the company believes the recipe is a trade secret, they can request that the commission keep the contents confidential. The attorney general would then decide if the claim of a trade secret is legitimate under the legislation.
The Republican-controlled House approved the measure on a voice vote. After one more procedural vote, the bill goes to the Senate for consideration.
Some landowners have expressed concern that hydraulic fracturing may contaminate groundwater with toxic chemicals, a contention that gas companies reject.
“This will make Texas the first start to require the public disclosure of the composition of the fluids used for hydraulic fracturing,” said state Rep. Jim Keffer, R-Granbury. “Although there have been no cases of the process contaminating groundwater in Texas, the people say they want to know the contents of the fluid used in the process.”
The Environmental Protection Agency recently shut down a hydraulic fracturing operation in North Texas out of concern that the groundwater was being contaminated. The Railroad Commission disputed that finding, insisting the drilling had nothing to do with the contamination.
The matter is still under investigation.
Cyrus Reed, the conservation director with the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club, called the bill a good first step, but hoped for a stronger bill before it is finalized. The organization wants anyone to be allowed to challenge what fluids can be kept confidential as trade secrets.
“We hope the House and Senate will consider strengthening amendments to make the bill a true model bill for the nation,” Reed said.
See, this is just how STUPID the House of Reps and JOURNALISTS are! Frac fluids are used by SERVICE COMPANIES to FRACTURE the rocks that make up the resevoir. I can’t think of a single DRILLING COMPANY that fractures! They DRILL!! Companies like Big Dog, Patterson and the like DRILL! Companies like Slumberger, Halliburton, and BJ Services FRAC!
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Asking Drilling companies to disclose frac fluids is about as stupid as wiping before pooping!
I think it’s a great idea, we need to know what is being pumped into the ground… I’m not one of the *greenies*, not by a long shot, but ground water and aquifer pollution are very serious issues.
I was thinking the other day… by the time the pubs, the demos, the greenies, and everyone’s done with our new found energy ideas. Natural gas will cost as much as oil.
A gallon of gas $7, a gallon of milk $9, a loaf of bread $3 and one lb. of ground beef $15. might as well have left liberals in control.
Wow: I actually find myself agreeing with something the Republicans are doing in the House!
All kidding aside … the Republicans deserve credit for this.
The NY Times had an extensive article earlier this year on this, it’s worth a read if you have the time and can find it, apologies, but I do not have the link, but it was in the Sunday edition.
That’s a good start after all we don’t want to import our water like we do most of the oil.
I’m sure the Texas Railroad Commission will be good stewards of this info and that their adherence to requests to maintain trade secrets will never impede investigations into the dangers of fracking. All this does is clearly outline who Haliburton has to pay off to destroy the planet. And you’re right, 42, the Republicans deserve credit for this.
Quote “If the company believes the recipe is a trade secret, they can request that the commission keep the contents confidential. The attorney general would then decide if the claim of a trade secret is legitimate under the legislation”.
Who runs this country people? Corporations…Not the people.
They use Extendeze.
All of this in spite of the recent findings that no fracturing fluids were found in the water, but they did find methane gas.
http://fuelfix.com/blog/2011/05/09/study-finds-gas-in-n-y-pennsylvania-water-wells-but-no-frac-fluids/
I’m glad to know what’s going in my groundwater. Seems fair, you pump it in the ground then you tell us what “it” is. IF you don’t want to tell us, then you don’t get to use it.
Very good move! Especially with ground water polution concerns.
Frac fluid is urine!
Funny how frac fluids are picked on yet there are tons of other stuff pumped into the ground everyday.
Frac fluids have nothing toxic at all. I get the feeling that the greenies will be very disappointed when they find out frac fluids are about as toxic as ketchup. They will claim a victory, yet their victory will be absolutely worthless.
Most of the hydraulic fracturing fluid consists of freshwater, natural or synthetic polymer, and then sand. All this is pretty harmless stuff. Some of the polymers are also used in food products, like xanthan gum, guar, etc. The place where the concern may lie is with the chemicals used for crosslinking the polymer, then later for breaking the resulting gel. This is where either the chemicals should be non-toxic in nature and/or great care be taken to ensure the fluid is not spilled on the ground.
Forgot to Comment: The biggest threat/pollutant in fredhwater wells is, not frac fluids or methane gas, but rather saltwater intrusion. This is why nearly all states require a surface casing pipe to be run, set, and cemented well below the base of usable freshwater before deeper drilling resumes. If this is done correctly, then there is little concern about methane or frac fluids hurting the freshwater zones. Fracturing is done later when at least TWO lengths of casing have been run, set, and cemented into the well, providing a double barrier for the groundwater.
Flash has it right. The polymer “breakers” are as toxic as household bleech or disenfectant. The volumes of the crosslinkers and breakers is so small, you will never find it in the aquafer.
The real problem is the bad cement jobs. I agree, there should be better legislation to make sure these guys get good cement jobs.
“flash,”
The state of Texas thanks you, I thank you, and thy Lord thy God thanks you!
You da man!
Keep us abreast on the latest, from your expertise!
WE NEED YOU!
flash is correct. i don’t see why they can’t disclose what’s in the fluids? great pr for the repubs on this one.
So companies spend years and big bucks developing the right formula and processes and now the EPA comes in and demands they give away company secrets to every Tom, Dick, and Harry out there. Including foreign competing companies. Talk about taking away a competitive edge or any reason for doing more research.