AAPG Statements on:
- Geologic Carbon Storage
- Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf Resources
- Hydraulic Fracturing
- Preservation of Geological and Geophysical Data
- National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska Access
- Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Access
- United States National Energy Supply
- Climate Change
- Tax Reform
- Natural Gas Supply Concerns
- Reformation of the Endangered Species Act
- Reformation of the Clean Water Act -- Wetlands Access
- Offshore OCS Access
- Research and Development Needs
- Oil and Gas Workforce Needs in the 21st Century
Hydraulic Fracturing (PDF)
Issue:
Scientifically designed, state-based environmental oversight of hydraulic fracturing treatments for those coalbed methane and other hydrocarbon wells that may occur near zones of potable water is a reasonable approach.
Background:
Oversight must be based on the recognition that: 1) modern fracturing treatments work to safeguard the environment and present minimal potential damage to fresh-water zones; 2) most hydraulic fracturing takes place in zones removed from drinking-water supplies; and 3) although fracturing fluids vary widely, the commonly used ingredients are limited in toxicity and/or mobility in water.
Statement:
- AAPG opposes blanket application of federally mandated controls. Federal legislation should be encouraged to provide for streamlined permitting of fracturing treatments.
- Treatments carried out in isolation from fresh-water aquifers should be exempt from Clean Water Act controls.
- Permit procedures for fracturing within aquifer zones (mostly undertaken in support of methane production from coal beds) should be designed on a basin-by-basin and state-by-state basis.
- Permitting should bear in mind the wide variety of possible designs of fracture treatments, and the geologic relationships of reservoir beds and aquifers unique to each area.
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