Mary McMahan recently asked, What is your position on Hydraulic Fracturing? Finally got around to writing a thoughtful response that reflects my position on this important topic. I support the exploration of energy. I support expanding the exploration of natural resources such as petroleum and natural gas. I support the exploration and expansion of the use of alternative energies, including but not limited to solar, wind, etc. First and foremost I support an energy policy that advances our energy independence, is a catalyst for economic development, plus job creation, while ensuring we are good stewards of our natural resources. Hydraulic Fracturing is a technique to extract and harvest natural gas. It is a proven science. I am completely opposed to unregulated hydraulic fracturing. However, with the proper safeguards hydraulic fracturing can be done in a safe and responsible manner. My research indicates with the proper information and biophysics technology wells can be drilled with virtually a 100% success rate. This means no random drilling and accidental taps into underground water tables. There are now technologies that enable the atomization of the used “dirty water” from the drilling activities that eliminates the need to put this water back in the ground. This process in essence makes the used water virtually potable at the well site. Are these techniques an inexpensive way to mine? No. Are these techniques a safe way to mine? Thoroughly! There can be no shortcuts allowed. This type of mining requires rigorous regulation and oversight. It is mandatory that we know every chemical being used at a mining site for every well being drilled. The regulations outlined in legislation introduced in the NCGA this past session would give North Carolina the most stringent and rigorous rules and regulations for companies who wish to mine natural gas using hydraulic fracturing techniques. We continue to do our homework to put forth a comprehensive set of regulations to govern the use of hydraulic fracturing in the state of North Carolina. If we are going to allow hydraulic fracturing in our state, we need to follow the age-old construction rule, “measure twice and cut once.” Negligence is unacceptable in this industry segment.
Posted on: Sun, 04 Aug 2013 18:20:10 +0000