December 28, 2012
Amy Mall, Senior Policy Analyst, Washington, D.C.
In addition to the environmental impacts of oil and gas production, including dangerous air and water contamination and destruction of wildlife habitat, NRDC is concerned about other impacts to communities that have been documented, such as increased crime, infrastructure burdens that require massive repair, and the growing demand for social and...
December 26, 2012
Amy Mall, Senior Policy Analyst, Washington, D.C.
The BLM recently issued a new Instruction Memorandum to its field offices. This IM establishes policy for reducing preventable wildlife mortality, increasing protection of livestock, and increasing human health and safety around oil and gas facilities.
The IM points...
December 20, 2012
Amy Mall, Senior Policy Analyst, Washington, D.C.
Today the Canadian Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) released a report on its investigation into a September, 2011 hydraulic fracturing incident that led to groundwater contamination. The ERCB is an independent quasi-judicial agency that regulates all energy development in the province of Alberta.
The 2011 incident involved fracking of a natural...
December 17, 2012
Amy Mall, Senior Policy Analyst, Washington, D.C.
In a recent post I blogged about the risks to drinking water sources for the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, western Colorado communities, and Athens, Ohio. We think these and other important watersheds should be off limits to fracking for oil and gas. But if any oil and gas development is allowed, it should be regulated under...
December 7, 2012
Amy Mall, Senior Policy Analyst, Washington, D.C.
Recently I blogged about the Schilke ranch in the Bakken shale, which has 32 oil wells within three miles of it. The Schilkes have sick cattle and pets, and the Schilkes themselves report they are seriously ill.
A new article in ...
December 5, 2012
Amy Mall, Senior Policy Analyst, Washington, D.C.
The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) is in the process of updating some of its oil and gas rules. Colorado, to its credit, has updated its rules periodically in recent years, to catch up with advancements in the oil and gas industry. As the industry expands and adopts new technologies, it is essential that regulations keep pace to protect clean air, clean water, and healthy communities. Unfortunately...
December 4, 2012
Amy Mall, Senior Policy Analyst, Washington, D.C.
EcoWatch, an online news service in partnership with the Waterkeeper Alliance, has posted an online petition asking the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to issue strong rules for fracking under federal oil and gas leases, including leasing on both public and private land.
The BLM’s draft rule on fracking is a start and long overdue,...
December 3, 2012
Amy Mall, Senior Policy Analyst, Washington, D.C.
I've blogged before about farmers and ranchers reporting serious illnesses in their livestock that they believe were caused by nearby oil and gas operations. They report that their veterinarians have ruled out all other potential causes. These reports have come from Colorado,...
November 29, 2012
Amy Mall, Senior Policy Analyst, Washington, D.C.
Yesterday, Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA) spoke at a policy briefing on natural gas and energy issues. The oil and gas industry is a large presence in her state and a big contributor to the Louisiana economy. She mentioned that Louisiana is one of the largest producers of natural gas, while also being a big...
November 28, 2012
Amy Mall, Senior Policy Analyst, Washington, D.C.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in the Department of the Interior is in the process of developing new rules for fracking on more than 750 million acres of public and private land across the country. A final rule could be released as early as December.
The current rules are woefully inadequate and need to be dramatically strengthened to protect health and the environment. Even Interior Secretary Ken...
