Technology, Infrastructure Key to Developing America's Energy Resources
Mark Green
Posted September 17, 2013
Containment Measures Mean Lower Methane Leaks from Fracking Than Previously Thought
New York Times: Drilling for shale gas through hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, appears to cause smaller leaks of the greenhouse gas methane than the federal government had estimated, and considerably smaller than some critics of shale gas had feared, according to a peer-reviewed study released on Monday.
The study, conducted by the University of Texas and sponsored by the Environmental Defense Fund and nine petroleum companies, bolsters the contention by advocates of fracking — and some environmental groups as well — that shale gas is cleaner and better than coal, at least until more renewable-energy sources are developed. More than 500 wells were analyzed.
The Texas study concluded that while the total amount of escaped methane from shale-gas operations was substantial — more than one million tons annually — it was probably less than the Environmental Protection Agency estimated in 2011.
In particular, it indicated that containment measures captured 99 percent of methane that escaped from new wells being prepared for production, a process known as completion.
Read more: http://nyti.ms/1dkg5q2
Other industry news:
Harper: Keystone XL’s Environmental Impacts ‘Manageable’: http://bloom.bg/19Y0bjb
The Economic Fallacy Behind Anti-Keystone Argument: http://onforb.es/18sSBcQ
Marcellus Operators Power Fracking Job on 100 Percent Natural Gas: http://bit.ly/1899bk0
U.S. Natural Gas Exports Hit Series of Roadblocks: http://bit.ly/168XcjQ
Don’t Count Out U.S. Shale Revolution Just Yet: http://onforb.es/1bmJ26D
About The Author
Mark Green joined API after a career in newspaper journalism, including 16 years as national editorial writer for The Oklahoman in the paper’s Washington bureau. Previously, Mark was a reporter, copy editor and sports editor at an assortment of newspapers. He earned his journalism degree from the University of Oklahoma and master’s in journalism and public affairs from American University. He and his wife Pamela have two grown children and six grandchildren.