Moratorium:

"Assembly passes fracking moratorium: "...May is only six months away, Kuzminski said, and opponents of hydraulic fracturing -- the injection of natural gas wells with water, sand and chemicals under high pressure -- must not let down their guard. "What we really need is for the state to stop issuing permits for this very dangerous activity," he said. In states like Pennsylvania, where fracking is common, water wells have been polluted, and New Yorkers must learn from others' experiences, he said..." " (The Daily Star) (NY)- http://thedailystar.com/localnews/x511768536/Assembly-passes-fracking-moratorium

"Legislature got one thing right: "...Realistically, what the Legislature has done is more symbolic than anything else. By banning new gas drilling permits only until May 15, it is merely kicking the problem down the road..." " (The Daily Star) (NY)- http://thedailystar.com/opinion/x511768560/Legislature-got-one-thing-right

"NY State Politicians Show Their Ignorance: "...We're not excusing or condoning any action akin to natural gas production that contaminates our earth, air, and water. We simply want to move FORWARD safely (it can and is being done) and in a reasonable time frame. This issue has been 'on our doorstep' for almost THREE YEARS and these clowns are just now deciding to put things on hold so we can 'study' the situation..." " (Apalachin Landowners Group) (NY)- http://apalachinlandowners.blogspot.com/2010/12/ny-state-politicians-show-their.html

"Fracking Moratorium Passed in New York: "...In June 2010, Vanity Fair explored how families in Dimock, Pennsylvania, and elsewhere have been grimly impacted by water contamination and other forms of pollution related to gas drilling...It's too early to say how all this will play out, in New York and elsewhere. Drillers stand to reap major profits from opening new territory to fracking, and proponents of natural gas claim that drilling will lead to jobs and tax windfalls for cash-strapped state governments..." " (Vanity Fair)- http://www.vanityfair.com/online/daily/2010/12/fracking-moratorium-passed-in-new-york.html

"Paterson unsure if he'll sign fracking ban: "...Paterson said the state Department of Environmental Protection will not finish its environmental review of the controversial use of hydrofracking for natural gas before his term expires at year's end. As a result, he said a moratorium may be unnecessary. But he said he has 10 days to decide what to do..." " (Poughkeepsie Journal) (NY)- http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/article/20101201/NEWS01/12010332/1006/RSS01 & http://www.hudsonhappenings.com/article/20101201/NEWS01/12010332/1006/news01

"Dateline Albany: Just a fracking minute: "...Environmental groups held a press conference to laud the Legislature's decision, since they believe Gov. David Paterson's signature is a good bet..." "(Messenger Post) (NY)- http://www.mpnnow.com/datelinealbany/x1790514739/Dateline-Albany-Just-a-fracking-minute

"A Journal News editorial: New York draws a line in the Shale: "...This week's lame-duck session of the state Legislature, while as useless as a "Top Secret" stamp at the State Department, actually yielded one result that should cheer New Yorkers who care about the environment..."This action (in New York) represents the first time any state has stood up to the big oil and gas companies and said no new fracking unless and until they can demonstrate it can be done safely," wrote Kate Sinding of the Natural Resources Defense Council. "It sends a powerful message to the rest of the nation — including states from Wyoming to Pennsylvania that are confronting the dangerous effects of inadequately regulated gas development — that a state can draw a line in the sand and insist on the protection of its citizens."..." " (The Journal News) (NY)- http://www.lohud.com/article/20101201/OPINION/12010313/A-Journal-News-editorial-New-York-draws-a-line-in-the-Shale

"Hydrofracking Moratorium Passes NY Assembly: "...That's caused environmental problems in other states, but producers say it can be done safely here..." " (Audio, WRVO) (NY)- http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wrvo/news.newsmain/article/1/0/1731934/More.News.From.WRVO/Hydrofracking.Moratorium.Passes.NY.Assembly

"Lupardo Statement on Drilling Moratorium Bill Passing: "...I did not support the moratorium bill the Assembly passed last night because it is has unintended consequences and does not address the concerns that most New Yorkers have about high-volume hydraulic fracturing. It simply places a moratorium with an arbitrary date of May 15th on top of what is already a defacto moratorium. It also prohibits the DEC from issuing new permits for vertical drilling, which has been used to safely extract natural gas in New York State for decades. This will cost jobs in Upstate New York at a time when we can least afford it. The Legislature should allow DEC to complete its regulatory review before inserting itself into the process (and that process could go beyond May 15, 2011)..." " (Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo via WIVT/WGBH Newschannel34) (NY)- http://www.newschannel34.com/content/developingnews/story/Lupardo-Statement-on-Drilling-Moratorium-Bill/tK4MuL4nL0-w5n1Bsc_gcA.cspx

"Hydrofracking Delayed, Feds may be waking up a bit also" (Times Union)- http://blog.timesunion.com/flyfishing/hydrofracking-delayed-feds-may-be-waking-up-a-bit-also/1070/

"Legislature supports delay in gas drilling: "...It's unclear if the moratorium will have a major impact in the field: Less new drilling is done while the ground is frozen during winter; the measure, if signed into law, might simply reflect current reality that drilling cannot start until next summer at the earliest, when the issue will fall into the lap of Gov.-elect Andrew Cuomo..." " (Times Union) (NY)- http://www.timesunion.com/default/article/Legislature-supports-delay-in-gas-drilling-849331.php , http://web.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=996186&category=REGION & http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewiStockNews/articleid/4707797

"Assembly passes hydrofracking ban: "...Environmental activists from across the state are applauding the state assembly for passing a bill that puts a moratorium on hydrofracking. The process involves pumping pressurized water and chemicals down deep wells to break rock and release natural gas. The ban extends until next May 15. But with the celebration comes worry whether or not the governor will sign the bill into law. The Innovation Trail's Dan Bazile has more..." " (Audio, North Country Public Radio)- http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/16759/assembly-passes-hydrofracking-ban

"Larry Beahan: Assembly must approve hydrofracking moratorium: "...National Fuel and other gas-drilling wildcatters have massed their trucks on the Pennsylvania border ready to lay waste to New York State's Southern Tier, which is rich in Marcellus shale. The thinning ranks of our Department of Environmental Conservation have held them at bay while we studied the Draft Generic Environmental Impact Study of the Marcellus shale "play," as the industry terms it. The study falls far short of assuring that the cash bonanza predicted for this gamble outweighs the environmental devastation that would have to be bet on it..." " (Buffalo News) (NY)- http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial-page/from-our-readers/another-voice/article270526.ece

"Natural Gas, NY should Start The Drilling Soon" (Letter from member of JLCNY, GANNETT NEW YORK NETWORK) (NY)- http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20101130/VIEWPOINTS02/11300432 , http://www.theithacajournal.com/article/20101130/VIEWPOINTS02/11300432 & http://www.stargazette.com/article/20101130/VIEWPOINTS02/11300432

"Assembly gives fracking 'time out': "..."It's definitely a strong message to the industry, the Legislature and the next governor to re-evaluate all of this," says Gillingham..." " (Times Herald-Record) (NY)- http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20101201/NEWS/12010367/-1/SITEMAP

"Hydrofracking moratorium passes Assembly: "...Some feel the six-month moratorium would take pressure off the DEC if signed by Paterson; others say it's pointless because drilling wouldn't have gone forward until at least May anyway..." " (Corning Leader) (NY)- http://www.the-leader.com/features/x999956263/Hydrofracking-moratorium-passes-Assembly

"NY Is Just One Stroke of the Pen From a Fracking Win: "...Whether you're a New Yorker or not (but especially if you are a New Yorker), show your support for this landmark bill by signing the petition below to Governor Paterson..." " (Change.org)- http://environment.change.org/blog/view/ny_is_just_one_stroke_of_the_pen_from_a_fracking_win

"Let's Hear It For New York, New York...: "...This shows that leaders in New York are taking seriously the concerns associated with fracking—a technique in which millions of gallons of chemically-treated water are blasted into the earth to force gas from underground deposits. The bill, already approved by the state Senate, now heads to outgoing Gov. David Paterson for his signature. Unfortunately, the governor has been sending mixed signals about whether or not he will sign the bill into law. If you live in New York state, now would be a good time to call Gov. Paterson at (518) 474-8390 and urge him to do the right thing before he leaves office..." " (unEARTHED)- http://unearthed.earthjustice.org/blog/2010-november/let%E2%80%99s-hear-it-new-york-new-york-new-york

"Plan would prevent 'fracking until May: "...Without the moratorium, if a drilling lease expired in February, property owners would be able to negotiate a new lease with whomever they wanted. But if the governor signs the bill, it will put all leases on hold. So those with leases ready to expire would be stuck with their old leases during that time. "It's not a very well-drafted piece of legislation. I mean, even if it was a moratorium on horizontal drilling, it's going to take a year to get a permit once they approve the process, and they haven't even approved the process yet," Bacalles said. "A moratorium until May is kind of like a feel-good thing. It doesn't really do that much except for create a lot of pain for people that are currently involved in gas drilling," Bacalles said. "Unfortunately it sends a very poor message to the gas industry that New York really is not interested at any point."..." " (Finger Lakes Times) (NY)- http://www.fltimes.com/articles/2010/12/01/news/doc4cf6708f83c98555173481.txt

NY, PA & NJ:

"Pa. regulators advised to deny gas pipeline firm's request that could lead to eminent domain/Gas pipeline firm's plans in Pa. hit snag: "...HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - State public utility regulators have been advised to reject an effort by a natural gas pipeline firm that could subject its unregulated pipelines to safety standards, but also help it secure the power of eminent domain on private property. An administrative law judge, in a decision posted online Wednesday, recommended that Laser Northeast Gathering Company LLC not be given status as a public utility. The decision is preliminary, and the state Public Utility Commission has the final say in the matter..." " (AP) (PA)- http://www.startribune.com/business/111138964.html , http://www.wbay.com/Global/story.asp?S=13597408 , http://nz.finance.yahoo.com/news/Gas-pipeline-firms-plans-in-apf-3399939808.html?x=0 , http://www.adn.com/2010/12/01/1582179/gas-pipeline-firms-plans-in-pa.html , http://www.kansascity.com/2010/12/01/2490652/gas-pipeline-firms-plans-in-pa.html & http://www.heraldonline.com/2010/12/01/2656205/gas-pipeline-firms-plans-in-pa.html

"Horseheads family pursues lawsuit against gas drilling service company: "...The Horseheads couple who filed a $5 million civil lawsuit last November against a natural gas drilling service company that set up shop behind their home were in federal court in Rochester on Wednesday...The Harnases, who have lived at the Ithaca Road address for more than 25 years, said in the lawsuit the company's operations have caused "loud and disagreeable noises and great jarring and vibration -- all of which are transmitted into and throughout" their home and are in violation of the village's nuisance laws. The complaint also states that since the company purchased the property from the Chemung County Industrial Development Agency in 2005, it has converted the building into a "non-stop continuous construction site" that is active "seven days per week, including holidays, and through the nights."..." " (GANNETT NEW YORK NETWORK) (NY & PA)- http://www.pressconnects.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=201012010379 , http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=201012010379 & http://www.stargazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=201012010379

(Events) "FRACKING: Art and Activism Against the Drill: "...December 7, 2010 – February 5, 2011 Opening Tuesday, December 7 / 7-9pm NEW YORK – Exit Art announces Fracking: Art and Activism Against the Drill. Hydraulic fracturing ("fracking") is a means of gas extraction that accesses gas trapped more than a mile below the earth's surface...Wednesday, January 12, 2011 / 7-9pm Fracking and Its Effects: A Panel Discussion Host: Mark Ruffalo, Actor / Activist Moderator: Tracy Carluccio, Activist Panelists: Joe Levine, Lobbyist / Activist; Michael Lebron, Grassroots Organization; Al Appleton, Policy; Michel Boufadel, Civil Engineer; Christy Rupp, Artist; and a representative from "Gasland" to be announced This panel discussion brings together leading experts and activists on hydraulic fracturing, representing multiple facets of this issue..." " (EXIT ART via The Center for Sustainable Practice in the Arts) (NY)- http://www.sustainablepractice.org/2010/12/01/fracking-art-and-activism-against-the-drill/

(Event) "Dave Henderson outdoors: Hydrofracking information for sportsmen: "...If you are interested in how hydrofracking and gas drilling affects anglers and other outdoorsmen, consider spending Wednesday evening, Dec. 8, in Cortland with Chris Burger..." " (NY)- http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20101201/SPORTS/12010408/Dave-Henderson-outdoors-Hydrofracking-information-for-sportsmen

"Hydrofracking opponents need your help: "...There's abundant evidence of problems with the drilling. The big corporations pushing for hydrofracking in New York State insist that there's no evidence. But Fox and many others have testimony from property owners who had no problem at all with the water in their wells until drilling started nearby. Then they got black water, foul smelling water, water so full of gas that they could light it with a match. No evidence? Let's do this: Let's wait until we have evidence that hydrofracking doesn't contaminate water before permitting it. That's the kind of proof we need..." " (Rochester City Newspaper) (NY)- http://www.rochestercitynewspaper.com/news/blog/2010/12/Hydrofracking-opponents-need-your-help/

"Interior Department mulls disclosure of chemicals in drilling: "...Salazar's announcement of a new federal review of the practice came at a forum called by the Interior Department to gather comments from industry groups and environmental advocates. Current regulations require only that drillers using public lands use "standard prudent operating practice.".." " (GANNETT NEW YORK NETWORK) (NY)- http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20101130/NEWS01/11300398 , http://www.theithacajournal.com/article/20101130/NEWS01/11300398 & http://www.stargazette.com/article/20101130/NEWS01/11300398

"Just can't wait for all those benefits of drilling: "...I'm excited about natural gas! The gas companies do not have to disclose the chemicals used in the drilling process. But they say not to worry, so that's OK. Even though they cannot drill in the Catskill watershed for fear of damaging the New York City water supply, they can still drill in our area, so that's OK. I don't even have to sign a drilling lease. With horizontal drilling, they can drill onto my property from outside it and take the gas, so that's OK. Even though most of the new jobs are filled by people from out of state, they do still stop at our convenience stores for beer and cigarettes, so that's OK. I may get lucky and be able to heat my house by lighting the tap water in the kitchen and bathroom, and that's progress. Yes, I'm really excited about natural gas. So that's OK..." " (Letter to editor, GANNETT NEW YORK NETWORK) (NY)- http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20101201/VIEWPOINTS03/12010315 , http://www.theithacajournal.com/article/20101201/VIEWPOINTS03/12010315 & http://www.stargazette.com/article/20101201/VIEWPOINTS03/12010315

"PSU Wayne County hops on the "Shale Wagon": "...Looks like Penn State Univeristy's College of Agricultural Sciences has caught the Marcellus Shale bug! Since the beginning of the last summer, the Penn State Cooperative Extention Marcellus Education team has been working on several groupings of educational Marcellus Shale videos hightlighting the process of natural gas drilling and its relevance to the state of Pennsylvania..." " (Video, ShaleScoop) (PA)- http://shalescoop.wordpress.com/2010/12/01/psu-wayne-county-hops-on-the-shale-wagon/

(Event) "WVIA to broadcast Marcellus Shale program live from Towanda's Keystone Theatre: "...The Dec. 9 show, "State of Pennsylvania: LIVE from Boomtown Towanda," will feature a five-member panel, which will consist of Bradford County Commissioner Doug McLinko, Towanda Borough Manager Tom Fairchild Jr., Standing Stone Township Secretary Diane Ward, Bradford County land owner Jim VanBlarcom, and an official from Chesapeake Energy Corp., said Kathryn Davies, producer of "State of Pennsylvania."...The show, which will begin at 7 p.m. and last one hour, will, among other things, examine how Towanda has changed as a result of the drilling, she said..." " (The Daily Review) (PA)- http://thedailyreview.com/news/wvia-to-broadcast-marcellus-shale-program-live-from-towanda-s-keystone-theatre-1.1071109

"Speaker: Beware of drillers: "...Jarmoska's message was loud and clear: Know this, get informed, stay on top of the industry, you don't have to let them in. "Who voted those living in the Susquehanna River basin the guinea pigs?" she asked, saying it takes less time to get a drilling permit than it does to get one to fix a home..." " (The Daily Item) (PA)- http://dailyitem.com/0100_news/x511768494/Speaker-Beware-of-drillers

"Panel to expand network of stream monitors in Marcellus drilling region: "...The commission said it was nearing an agreement to install 10 monitors on streams in Pennsylvania state forests, where more than 700,000 acres have been leased to natural-gas drilling companies. And on Tuesday, the panel announced plans to install 10 monitors in New York State. The new devices would bring to 50 the number of electronic monitors the commission intends to install by May, spokeswoman Susan Obleski said..." " (Philadelphia Inquirer) (PA)- http://www.philly.com/inquirer/business/20101201_Panel_to_expand_network_of_stream_monitors_in_Marcellus_drilling_region.html

"Shale Gas Forum Emphasizes Importance Of Oversight: "...U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar hosted a forum on hydraulic fracturing for the production of natural gas and related issues on Tuesday. During the three and one-half hour session, speakers as diverse as Secretary Salazar and Steve Moyer, vice president for government affairs with Trout Unlimited, acknowledged the need for increased production of shale gas while emphasizing the importance of environmental oversight..." " (Potter County Today) (PA)- http://today.pottercountypa.net/?p=7792

"Signs of good news to come: "...My dislike of the gas drillers is accentuated by the news that they may soon seek "eminent domain" to put 50-foot-wide pipeline rights-of-way through people's properties whether they give permission or not..." " (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) (PA)- http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10335/1107192-374.stm

National & International:

"12/01/2010 Natural Gas Daily Report" (The Carbon Capture Report)- http://gas.carboncapturereport.org/cgi-bin//dailyreport?DATE=2010-12-01

"Cabot case raises question: Is gas drilling "abnormally" dangerous?: "...But of interest in the judge's decision is that he let stand the homeowners' claims that Cabot is legally responsible for the alleged problems based on the principle of strict liability. That's the notion that an activity is so dangerous that those doing it are responsible for damages caused even if they took precautions to avoid it..." " (Fuel Fix) (PA)- http://fuelfix.com/blog/2010/12/01/cabot-case-raises-question-is-gas-drilling-%E2%80%9Cabnormally%E2%80%9D-dangerous/

(Video) "The Promise and Perils of Hydraulic Fracturing: Best Answers to the Hardest Questions: "...Horizontal drilling technology combined with hydraulic fracturing can add to America's reserves hundreds of trillions of cubic feet of gas that were previously too expensive to extract. However, concerns about possible environmental problems with the drilling may significantly hinder access to these reserves. With representation from both industry and environmental advocacy, our panel will present the case for both the potential benefits and problems of expanded drilling with hydraulic fracturing technology...More About the Speakers: Scott Anderson Senior Policy Advisor, Environmental Defense Fund...Mark K. Boling Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Southwestern Energy Company...Lee Fuller Vice President of Government Relations, Independent Petroleum Association of America..." " (Video, The Heritage Foundation)- http://www.heritage.org/Events/2010/11/Hydraulic-Fracturing

(Video) "Investigating the US gas drilling boom video: "...Complements of Nadia, EARTHWORKS. This video is being shown widely in Britain, as Europe moves into shale gas exploration (involving the investment of U.S. companies)..." " (Video, FracTracker)- http://www.fractracker.org/2010/12/investigating-us-gas-drilling-boom.html

"What the "Frack?" Natural Gas Is Key to America's Energy Independence, but Is It Safe?: "...Industry professionals say fracking is safe. "We've been using it for many, many years," says Flotek chairman and president John Chisolm. "Can it be done in a more environmentally sensitive way? Sure, but overall [it's] safe." The industry is reluctant to disclose the fracking formulas because of proprietary information concerns, not because it's harmful, Chisolm tells Aaron Task in this clip..." " (Video, Yahoo Finance)- http://finance.yahoo.com/tech-ticker/what-the-%22frack%22-natural-gas-is-key-to-america%27s-energy-independence-but-is-it-safe-535667.html & http://video.yahoo.com/watch/8623312/23283715

"No Need to Regulate Gas Fracking, Says Incoming Republican: "...The Utah Republican who will oversee the Interior Department next year took time today to bash potential new disclosure rules that would require, for the first time, that companies practicing the controversial drilling method called hydraulic fracturing will have to say what's in the nasty stew they are injecting near major freshwater aquifers, to extract the gas..." " (Susan Kraemer)- http://cleantechnica.com/2010/12/01/no-need-to-regulate-gas-fracking-says-incoming-republican/ & http://www.greenenergymarket.org/no-need-to-regulate-gas-fracking-says-incoming-republican/

"Keep energy revolution alive: "...An energy revolution is under way in the U.S. thanks to hydraulic fracturing, a 60-year-old oil and natural gas stimulation technology that -- coupled with advancement in horizontal drilling -- is making the development of energy from underground shale formations economical for the first time. Given that natural gas has half the carbon emissions as coal, the U.S. State Department is aggressively promoting shale gas exploration throughout Asia and Europe as a way to reduce global carbon emissions..." " (Letter from Chris Tucker of Energy In Depth) (Wyoming)- http://trib.com/news/opinion/mailbag/article_23711240-76bc-5c5d-a1d8-5dfd391c8bc3.html

"GAO Report: U.S. Loses Royalties as Oil and Gas Drillers Vent Methane: "...The savings could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of 16.5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide -- the amount of CO2 generated by 3.1 million cars -- the report says..." " (The New York Times)- http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2010/12/01/01greenwire-gao-report-us-loses-royalties-as-oil-and-gas-d-67791.html

"GAO report sees flaws in DOI tracking of gas venting, flaring: "...GAO said that while onshore lessees reported that about 0.13% of produced gas was vented and flared, estimates by the US Environmental Protection Agency and Western Regional Air Partnership suggested volumes could be as much as 30 times higher..." " (Oil & Gas Journal via PennEnergy)- http://www.pennenergy.com/index/petroleum/display/2428855451/articles/oil-gas-journal/general-interest-2/hse/2010/12/gao-report_sees_flaws.html

"Marcellus Shale: Back in Favor: "...In October Chinese oil giant CNOOC (HK: 0883, NYSE: CEO) paid $1.08 billion for a one-third stake in Chesapeake Energy Corp's (NYSE: CHK) and indicated it will fund up to 75 percent of the operator's drilling and completion costs up to another $1.08 billion. This deal was followed by a joint venture (JV) between Norwegian integrated energy company Statoil (Norway: STL, NYSE: STO) and Canadian outfit Talisman Energy (TSX: TSM, NYSE: TSM) to acquire 97,000 acres in the Eagle Ford for USD1.325 billion...Most of the acquired wells in the Marcellus are part of a JV Atlas had inked with India's Reliance Industries (Bombay: 500325); in these areas, Chevron will assume Atlas' 60 percent stake as well as its role as operator. Meanwhile, Reliance Industries will continue to cover 75 percent of the drilling costs, up to USD1.4 billion...For example, Statoil in 2008 forked over USD3.38 billion for a 32.5 percent stake in Chesapeake Energy's 1.8 million net acres in the Appalachian Basin, and in May 2010 Royal Dutch Shell (NYSE: RDS.A) announced it would pay $4.7 billion to buy East Resources, producer with substantial acreage in the prolific Marcellus Shale..." " (Investing Daily)- http://www.investingdaily.com/tes/18053/marcellus-shale-back-in-favor.html

"U.S. Weighs Disclosure Rules for Natural Gas Drillers: "...But Salazar said increased natural gas production makes sense in light of the Obama administration's energy agenda. "First, natural gas is, in fact, an abundant resource that we control here in the United States of America," he said. "This president is also concerned about what we do on climate change, and when you compare the emissions caused by natural gas to other forms of energy you know that it is a cleaner fuel."..." " (National Geographic)- http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/energy/2010/12/101201-natural-gas-blm-disclosure/

"Salazar Holds Forum to Examine Best Practices for Hydraulic Fracturing in Oil and Natural Gas Production: "...Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar hosted a forum on hydraulic fracturing, to examine best practices to ensure that natural gas on public lands is developed in a safe and environmentally sustainable manner..." " (Video, United States Department of the Interior)- http://www.doi.gov/news/video/Salazar-Holds-Forum-to-Examine-Best-Practices-for-Hydraulic-Fracturing-in-Oil-and-Natural-Gas-Production.cfm

"NWX-DEPT OF INTERIOR-NBC Moderator: Frank Quimby November 30, 2010 12:00 pm CT" (Transcript, United States Department of the Interior)- http://www.doi.gov/news/pressreleases/loader.cfm?csModule=security/getfile&PageID=79514 & http://hotfile.com/dl/86631459/0395074/Forum-to-Examine-Best-Practices-for-Hydraulic-Fracturing-in-Oil-and-Natural-Gas-Production.pdf.html

"Hydraulic Fracturing in the Spotlight: "...Hydraulic fracturing — that contentious part of the gas drilling process involving high-pressure injections of water, sand and chemicals deep underground — took center stage on Tuesday with two forums in Washington and a decision by the New York State Legislature to ban the practice until more is known about its health and environmental impacts..." " (The New York Times)- http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/12/01/hydraulic-fracturing-in-the-spotlight/?partner=rss&emc=rss

"Interior Department considers hydraulic fracturing regulations/Feds mull 'fracking' regs: "...The forum hosted by Salazar included panel discussions among federal officials, energy companies and environmental groups. Doll served as a panel member at the forum addressing regulatory considerations associated with fracking on Bureau of Land Management land. The American Petroleum Institute, which represents the oil and gas industry, held a similar forum earlier Tuesday. The group said in a media release that fracking is crucial for the United States to gain access to huge supplies of natural gas that were impossible to obtain just a few years ago..." " (Wyoming)- http://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/article_dde38efc-fe6d-51dd-b1d6-6815b0d3fa54.html & http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/wyoming/article_690cea93-6871-56e5-9409-81ed0c9e4b9d.html

"Secrecy of Fracking Chemicals Takes Beltway Spotlight: "...A few miles away from The Heritage Foundation, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar delivered his own message about disclosure. He told an audience that one of the new mandates the Obama administration is considering would force energy companies deploying hydraulic fracturing on public lands to reveal lists of the chemicals they use..." " (Solve Climate News Group)- http://solveclimatenews.com/news/20101201/secrecy-fracking-chemicals-takes-beltway-spotlight & http://www.reuters.com/article/idUS282628354120101201

"Administration scopes future of hydraulic fracturing: "..."When fluids aren't disclosed, you assume there's something poisonous in there," Peter Lehner, executive director of the Natural Resources Defense Council and a former assistant New York attorney general, said during Tuesday's panel discussion. Industry officials warn of the potential economic fallout if they face more federal and state regulations. John Felmy, chief economist of the American Petroleum Institute, said the potential moratorium in New York could cost the state billions in lost economic output and tax revenue, and he urged Gov. David Paterson (D) to veto it..." " (Audio, Politico)- http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1110/45752.html

"Natural gas drillers feel pressure on fracking fluids: "...WASHINGTON — The Obama administration is considering forcing energy companies to reveal more details about the chemicals they use to help extract natural gas from public lands, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said Tuesday..." " (Fuel Fix)- http://fuelfix.com/chronicleenergynews/2010/12/01/natural-gas-drillers-feel-pressure-on-fracking-fluids/

"Drillers might be forced to reveal chemicals used in fracking: "...However, there are several concerns that the fracking process could contaminate drinking water and create other hazards. Even though the energy companies argue that the process is completely safe and takes place much below the sources of drinking water, a review is underway to determine the safety levels and new regulations for the process..." " (International Business Times)- http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/87398/20101201/oil-fracking-interiors-drilling.htm

"Senior Republican blasts Interior push for gas ‘fracking' disclosure: "..."State regulatory agencies are more than capable of carefully monitoring and managing energy development and water quality within their boundaries. There is no reason the federal government should impose additional regulations and red tape on our nation's domestic energy producers," said Rep. Rob Bishop (R-Utah), the ranking Republican on the National Parks, Forests and Public Lands Subcommittee, in a statement Tuesday..." " (The Hill)- http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/677-e2-wire/131325-senior-republican-blasts-interior-push-for-gas-fracking-disclosure-

"Natural Gas Drillers on Federal Lands May Have to Disclose Fracking Fluids, Interior Department Says: "...According to the Houston Chronicle, fracking is used in nine out of 10 wells on public lands, but the Bureau of Land Management, which oversees 250 million acres of public lands and 48,000 drilling leases, has not updated regulations for fracturing in years. Despite the risks, the federal government remains committed to gas drilling..." " (NewInferno)- http://www.newsinferno.com/fracking/natural-gas-drillers-on-federal-lands-may-have-to-disclose-fracking-fluids-interior-department-says/

"Natural gas drillers feeling pressure: "..."It's not that we're pumping poisons in there," Toney added. "It's just a specific formula we're trying to protect." Energy producers insist that hydraulic fracturing is safe and stress that the chemical cocktails used in the process are water-based..." " (Texas)- http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/business/energy/7318458.html 

"Caution Urged on CO Natural Gas Development: "...Interior Secretary Ken Salazar hosted a Tuesday forum that included government leaders, industry and business representatives, as well as environmental groups. He calls it the first step toward developing a compromise policy on extraction, and hopes a "balanced plan" can be developed by mid-2011..." " (Audio, Public News Service) (Colorado)- http://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php?/content/article/17248-1

"Salazar, Interior host conference on hydraulic fracturing: "...The forum, which was streamed live on the internet, brought together panels of government scientists from the Bureau of Land Management and U. S. Geological Survey as well as state agencies from Wyoming and New Mexico. Industry representatives included officials from Houston-based oil companies Anadarko and ExxonMobil, plus an expert from one of the leading fracture companies, Baker-Hughes (also based in Houston). Representatives of Trout Unlimited and the Natural Resources Defense Council..." " (Examiner)- http://www.examiner.com/energy-industry-in-houston/salazar-interior-host-conference-on-hydraulic-fracturing

"Shale Drillers May Be Forced to Disclose Fracking Chemicals: "...So for the many activists who have been calling for regulating an industry protected by the "Cheney loophole" that has virtually no accountability for drillers, the news that Department of the Interior secretary Salazar may call for disclosure of the ingredients in Fracking chemicals is a good step..." " (OpEdNews/The Huffington Post)- http://www.opednews.com/articles/Shale-Drillers-May-Be-Forc-by-Rob-Kall-101201-862.html & http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rob-kall/shale-drillers-may-be-for_b_790376.html

"Experts see small steps for cleaner energy: "...Bill Holland, associate editor of Gas Daily for Platts, said domestic natural-gas supplies have increased, enabling the rise of cleaner-burning power plants compared with coal-burning plants, but not without some risk..." " (MarketWatch)- http://www.marketwatch.com/story/experts-see-small-steps-for-cleaner-energy-2010-12-01

"Some U.S. Utilities Starting to Replace Coal with Natural Gas: "...It's time for a round of "good news, bad news". The good news is that some U.S. utilities with aging coal plants are looking at the costs of installing anti-pollution equipment on them and at the future cost of carbon regulations (the details are uncertain right now, but at some point it's going to happen), and they're deciding it makes sense to them shut down instead of sinking more cash into this dirty source of power. The bad news is that they aren't exactly replacing them with wind, solar, geothermal, or hydro..." " (TreeHugger)- http://www.treehugger.com/files/2010/12/utilities-replacing-coal-power-plants-with-natural-gas.php

"Research and Markets: Global Shale Gas - What Now? What Next?: "...The report details the reality of environmental impact of shale on water resources and the local environment. We point out that many environmental organizations support shale gas..." " (Business Wire)- http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20101201005708/en/Research-Markets-Global-Shale-Gas--

"Is Shale Gas Too Good to Be True?: "...Yesterday I participated in a webinar examining the sustainability aspects of the shale gas revolution. The online audience asked good, probing questions, and if there was a theme to them, it seemed to be that somehow the sudden abundance of natural gas resulting from a novel combination of shale-exploitation technologies--as well as the technologies themselves--must at a minimum be considered a mixed blessing, if not actually too bitter a pill to swallow, because of its perceived shortcomings and the potential threat it poses to other, favored energy technologies..." " (The Energy Collective )- http://theenergycollective.com/geoffrey-styles/47953/shale-gas-too-good-be-true

"Disclosing frack fluids: "...The Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission will vote next Wednesday on a proposed rule that would require natural gas companies working in the Fayetteville Shale to disclose the chemicals used in the drilling process known as hydraulic fracturing. There are currently no such requirements in the state, much to the chagrin of environmentalists and public health advocates who fear the chemicals could have a negative impact on the state's water. The new rule would be a step in the right direction, but according to environmental groups like the Sierra Club, the language is vague and doesn't go far enough to protect the public..." " (Arkansas)- http://www.arktimes.com/ArkansasBlog/archives/2010/12/01/disclosing-frack-fluids

"'Fracking' drilling process causing some concerns: "...Just over the Portage County line in North Jackson is a large drilling operation that some residents believe is an environmental disaster in the making. Lori Gourley Babbey, a Paris Township resident who drove to the site just east of Lake Milton and observed it for more than 30 minutes, said a neighbor told her the well is an example of horizontal fracturing -- or "fracking" -- a process that residents fear could bring devastating harm to the air, water and soil in their rural communities..." " (Ohio)- http://www.auroraadvocate.com/news/article/4939969

"Positives Of Gas Drilling Emphasized: "...WHEELING - The potential benefits of natural gas drilling outweigh the concerns of many community leaders who turned out Tuesday to learn more about the process. The Regional Economic Development Partnership hosted a presentation by Chesapeake Energy at River City Restaurant and Banquet Facility in Wheeling that drew representatives of local city and county governments, educational institutions, economic development groups, vendors and more. Stacey Brodak, director of corporate development for Chesapeake, presented animated explanations of the drilling process as well as a slide show. She also answered questions from the audience..." " (West Virginia)- http://www.theintelligencer.net/page/content.detail/id/549441/Positives-Of-Gas-Drilling-Emphasized.html?nav=515

"Task Force formulates natural gas emergency response plan: "...A task force of municipal, parish and state emergency responders, department heads and elected officials are formulating a plan of action should any other emergency situations happen in the wake of the Haynesville Shale development..." " (Louisiana)- http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20101201/NEWS01/12010340/Task-Force-formulates-natural-gas-emergency-response-plan

"New York passes hydrofracking moratorium" (Michigan)- http://michiganmessenger.com/44329/new-york-passes-hydrofracking-moratorium

"Am I being targeted by Big Gas?: "...Recently I've had several occasions where I received "unusual activity" alerts on my Google account. One time Google provided a list of IP addresses that had accessed my account and some of them were not mine. Today, you might have noticed that all my YouTube videos have been removed. I received no notice about any violations, not emails from YouTube or any warnings about anything...UPDATE: I'm definitely being targeted. I announced on in the comments on this blog post and on Facebook that I would start an account with Vimeo. Within 30 minutes after I opened my new Vimeo account, I received an email from Vimeo saying they had a password request from me. I did not request a password change but someone did..." " (TXsharon) (Texas)- http://txsharon.blogspot.com/2010/11/am-i-being-targeted-by-big-gas.html

"Oil Companies Upset Over Possible New Restrictions for Fracking: "...It's banned in some states like New York, and the government is now forcing drilling companies who use fracking to disclose the chemicals being used in the process, causing problems for many in the Permian Basin. "99 to 99 and a half percent is water and sand, neither which are gonna harm anything," said Morris Burns an oil and gas consultant..." " (Texas)- http://www.cbs7kosa.com/news/details.asp?ID=22720

"Helms: Follow-up work continues at spill site: "..."Contaminated equipment is being washed and removed, fluid is being hauled away and contaminated surface material is being removed. The well is secured with a bridge plug at the bottom of the casing and the failed surface equipment is being replaced," said Lynn Helms, Bismarck, director of the North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources. The Whiting Petroleum Corp. well was shut down nearly two weeks ago after a valve near the wellhead failed and caused oil, natural gas and water to spill into a lined pit, the Associated Press reported Nov. 22. State health officials said all the liquid was contained and there was no environmental damage..." " (North Dakota)- http://www.minotdailynews.com/page/content.detail/id/549727/Helms--Follow-up-work-continues-at-spill-site.html?nav=5010

"Silt woman fears water well tainted by gas drilling: "...Strudley said the family has had "no issues with our water whatsoever" since moving to Silt Mesa four years ago, adding that her family already had begun to install a new water system that would bypass the well and rely on hauled water. "I'm not having a shower, and my kids are not touching that water," she declared..." " (Colorado)- http://www.gjfreepress.com/article/20101201/COMMUNITY_NEWS/101209997/1001&parentprofile=1059 , http://www.postindependent.com/article/20101201/VALLEYNEWS/101139974/1001&parentprofile=1074 & http://www.postindependent.com/article/20101201/VALLEYNEWS/101139974/1083&ParentProfile=1074

"Deer loss spurs on fight against gas field" (Wyoming)- http://www.jhnewsandguide.com/article.php?art_id=6742

"Oil and gas giants warned on local content: "...Complaints are growing in the west from businesses and unions that they are being sidelined from the bonanza. Mr Barnett said he would not regulate to force the hand of giants like Chevron, which was building the massive Gorgon LNG project on Barrow Island, but he expected them to do more. "There is no doubt that we have slipped," Mr Barnett said..." " (Australia)- http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/oil-and-gas-giants-warned-on-local-content/story-e6frg8zx-1225964159531

"Controversial gas 'fracking' extraction headed to Europe: "...Despite growing evidence from the US of a raft of negative environmental and social consequences of drilling for natural gas using the controversial hydraulic fracturing process, European energy companies are scrambling to secure licenses to roll out extraction projects this side of the Atlantic..." " (UK)- http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/dec/01/gas-fracking-extraction-europe