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EPA's Natural Gas Extraction -- Hydraulic Fracturing Website |
Natural gas plays a key role in our nation's clean energy future. The U.S. has vast reserves of natural gas that are commercially viable as a result of advances in horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing technologies enabling greater access to gas in shale formations. Responsible development of America's shale gas resources offers important economic, energy security, and environmental benefits.<br /> <br /> EPA is working with states and other key stakeholders to help ensure that natural gas extraction does not come at the expense of public health and the environment. The Agency's focus and obligations under the law are to provide oversight, guidance and, where appropriate, rulemaking that achieve the best possible protections for the air, water and land where Americans live, work and play. The Agency is investing in improving our scientific understanding of hydraulic fracturing, providing regulatory clarity with respect to existing laws, and deploying existing authorities to enhance health and environmental safeguards.<br /> <br /> Links on this page:<br /> <br /> Improving our scientific understanding of hydraulic fracturing<br /> Providing regulatory clarity and protections against known risks<br /> Ensuring that hydraulic fracturing using diesel fuels is properly permitted<br /> Ensuring the safe disposal of wastewater and stormwater from hydraulic fracturing activities<br /> Underground injection control (UIC) of waste disposal fluids from oil and gas wells (Class II wells)<br /> Wastewater discharges to treatment facilities<br /> Stormwater discharges from oil and gas operations or transmission facilities<br /> Use of disposal ponds and impoundments<br /> Recycling of wastewater<br /> Addressing air quality impacts associated with hydraulic fracturing activities<br /> Assuring compliance<br /> Promoting transparency and conducting outreach |
EPA |
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Geography and Environment |
2011-12-20 15:16:29 |
