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For Immediate Release
February 18, 2010

"Fracturing is safe, effective and very much needed in the context of today's enormous challenges
related to energy, the economy, and the environment"

WASHINGTON - Energy In Depth executive director Lee Fuller issued the following statement today subsequent to news from the House Energy & Commerce Committee that the panel is interested in learning more about a critical, 60-year-old energy technology known as hydraulic fracturing:

"Hydraulic fracturing is an essential component of producing clean-burning energy in America today, and to the extent the committee's inquiry into this process helps clear up some of the misconceptions that have come to be associated with it, it's a study we look forward to contributing to. In our view, the committee would benefit enormously if it focused more on learning about the procedures, practices and regulations in place to safeguard underground sources of drinking water - and in particular, the steps that are taken at every well site in America to ensure the proper casing and cementing acts as an effective barrier between the inside of the wellbore and the environment outside it.  These requirements have been and continue to be the effective regulatory actions that prevent damage to ground water resources.

"If the responsible development of shale gas represents a potential game-changer for the United States, hydraulic fracturing represents a non-negotiable tool needed to leverage that potential into reality - and the jobs, revenue and opportunity that come with it.

"It's understandable that lawmakers would take an interest in learning more about this critical technology moving forward. But as they begin their latest study of the fracturing process, we'd also commend to their attention the various statements, studies and testimonials from organizations like EPA, the Department of Energy, and the Ground Water Protection Council - all of which have found, and consistently so, that fracturing is safe, effective and very much needed in the context of today's enormous challenges related to energy, the economy and the environment."

READ MORE

• Frac In Depth: For more than 60 years, America's energy producers have relied on an innovative technique known as hydraulic fracturing, used more than 1 million times
• Top EPA Water Official: No "documented cases that the hydro-fracking process was contaminating water supplies"
• EPA Report on HF: "No credible evidence" that hydraulic fracturing endangers groundwater
• Senate Hearing: Top Brass from Obama Admin Tell Congress They're "Not Aware" of Even "One Case" of HF-Related Contamination
• Fact Sheet: HF Opponents Say the Darndest Things
• Issue Alert: When Gummy Bears Attack
• Graphic: What's In Frac Fluids?
• Browner Memo: Letter of Support for Hydraulic Fracturing from Carol Browner, Fmr. EPA Administrator

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