EPA Science Advisory Board to study hydro fracturing

A sneak preview, thanks to DE(e)P Throat:

Subject: EPA to announce initiation of hydraulic fracturing studyTomorrow, EPA will announce that it will conduct a comprehensive research study to investigate the potential adverse impact that hydraulic fracturing may have on water quality and public health.

Natural gas plays a key role in our nation’s clean energy future and the

process known as hydraulic fracturing is one way of accessing that vital

resource. There are concerns that hydraulic fracturing may impact ground

water and surface water quality in ways that threaten human health and

the environment. To address these concerns and strengthen our clean

energy future and in response to language inserted into the Fiscal Year

2010 Appropriations Act, EPA is re-allocating $1.9 million for this

comprehensive, peer reviewed study for FY10 and requesting funding for

FY11 in the President’s budget proposal. The announcement tomorrow will

be on how to design this study.