NY, PA, NJ, OH , WV & ME

"Marcellus Shale pipeline decision provides guidance on scope of environmental “cumulative impacts” analysis for projects requiring government approval: "...The Second Circuit has issued a decision providing further clarity on the scope of “cumulative impacts” analysis required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)...The court’s June 12 decision determined that NEPA did not require FERC to include an in-depth evaluation of the environmental effects of non-jurisdictional natural gas well drilling in Pennsylvania’s Marcellus Shale region when analyzing the cumulative impacts of a major interstate pipeline project. The Second Circuit’s decision denied a petition challenging an order issued by FERC in November 2011 that authorized Inergy, L.P. and its subsidiary Central New York Oil And Gas Company, L.L.C. (CNYOG) to build and operate the MARC I Hub Line, a 39-mile natural gas pipeline in north central Pennsylvania...The Second Circuit’s decision is important because it provides further guidance to federal agencies – and proponents of private projects requiring permits or approvals from federal agencies – on the proper scope of the cumulative impacts analysis required under NEPA..." " (DLA Piper, Global Law Firm)- http://www.dlapiper.com/marcellus-shale-pipeline-decision-provides-guidance-on-scope-of-environmental-cumulative-impacts-analysis/

"In Western Pennsylvania, an Energy Boom Not Visibly Stifled: "...SMITHFIELD, Pa. — From his farm nestled far from the big cities, in the wooded hills above the Monongahela and Cheat Rivers, David Headley has not heard much about the battles in Washington over regulations that Republicans say are stifling a domestic energy revolution. At the ground level of that revolution Mr. Headley, a 53-year-old former body shop owner and unemployed bus driver, does not see any regulations at all. For three years, he and his wife, Linda, have wrestled with the land men, natural gas drillers and pipeline builders who are turning this very sleepy corner of Western Pennsylvania into an energy boom land. The farm Mr. Headley bought in 2006 for his semiretirement has become something of a nightmare. Gas wells leak. Drilling blowouts have spewed fine, chalky bentonite into trout-stocked Georges Creek, turning it a milky white. A spring where his wife’s three horses once watered now bubbles and belches. Touched with a flame, it will ignite..." " (The New York Times)- http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/21/us/an-energy-boom-in-western-pennsylvania.html?pagewanted=all

"Air quality eyed near Pa. gas compressor stations" (The Scranton Times Tribune via Utica Observer-Dispatch)- http://www.uticaod.com/environment/hydrofracking/x836135527/Air-quality-eyed-near-Pa-gas-compressor-stations & http://www.herkimertelegram.com/environment/hydrofracking/x836135527/Air-quality-eyed-near-Pa-gas-compressor-stations

"Guest Viewpoint: Don't allow Tier to be testing area for fracking: "...The Southern Tier is being sacrificed because it's the potentially most lucrative part of the Marcellus Shale. The population is less than 5 percent of the state and is in "red" counties that the governor won't get in any election, which makes it politically easier. Being ignored is that fracking has never been done in an area with such a dense population or the proximity of so many private water wells. The promised low number (50) wells in the first year reflects the record low price of natural gas and the not-yet-completed pipelines to ports for export, rather than any concept of caution..." " (Opinion, GANNETT) (New York)- http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20120623/VIEWPOINTS02/206230305/

"Wilson: Time for some frack checking: "...Cuomo has an opportunity to break the cycle of industrial exploitation and ecological and cultural devastation by creating a farm community preservation zone throughout the Southern Tier. Banning hydrofracking is the place to start..." " (Opinion, Newsday) (New York)- http://www.newsday.com/opinion/oped/wilson-time-for-some-frack-checking-1.3799139

"Nurses Promote Healthier Energy Choices: "...The Pennsylvania State Nurses Association (PSNA) submitted a health care and public policy proposal, Nurses Role in Recognizing, Educating and Advocating for Healthier Energy Choices, that was passed by the American Nurses Association (ANA) House of Delegates on June 15, 2012. This proposal focuses on nurses using evidence-based information to educate other health professionals, the public and policy makers about the relationship between energy choices and human health...Human and ecological health risks are directly related to the use of coal-fired power plants, mountaintop removal of coal, offshore and onshore oil and natural gas drilling, and hydraulic fracturing or “fracking.” Research demonstrates that increased rates of asthma attacks, cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer are all associated with our current reliance on fossil fuels. As our population ages, our vulnerability to these fossil fuel-related exposures will continue to increase. Children are already at higher risk because of their increased susceptibility to respiratory illness..." " (Pennsylvania State Nurses Association)- http://psna.org/2012/06/nurses-promote-healthier-energy-choices/ (See also http://www.desmogblog.com/american-nurses-band-together-expose-health-risks-fracking-and-fossil-fuel-energy )

"Doctors Fighting Gag Rule in Pennsylvania: "...So what if your physician believes you may be ill from fracking chemicals, but needs to know which ones to make sure your diagnosis and treatment are correct? A Pennsylvania law signed earlier this year allows physicians to access information about the proprietary chemicals being used (which are protected by trade secrets) so they can help their patients who are sick from the chemicals. But here’s the catch: they have to sign a confidentiality agreement that they won’t tell anyone else—not you their patients, and not even other doctors—what’s in those formulas. It’s being called the “doctor gag rule.”..." " (Alliance for Natural Health USA)- http://www.anh-usa.org/doctors-fighting-gag-rule-in-pennsylvania/ & http://www.qwmagazine.com/2012/06/23/regulators-gag-doctors-treating-fracker-poisoning/

"Methane Hunters: "...Eric Lipsky is a scientist at Penn State-Greater Allegheny, near Pittsburgh. For years he’s studied air pollution like diesel exhaust with a group from Carnegie Mellon University. Now, Lipsky is looking for methane from the gas industry. Lipsky’s team assembled at a turn off onto a gravel road in western Pennsylvania..." " (Audio, Essential Public Radio) (Pennsylvania)- http://www.essentialpublicradio.org/story/2012-06-22/methane-hunters-11535

"Trailer Park Evicted to Make Room for Fracking: "...When the 32 families of the Riverdale Mobile Home Park in Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania, found out that they were losing their homes to the state's latest fracking operation, the news didn't come from their landlord, or an eviction notice in the mail—they read about it in their morning paper..." " (Mother Jones)- http://www.motherjones.com/blue-marble/2012/06/pa-fracking-eviction

"Police: Two charged with stealing copper from gas pipeline: "...Two men were charged in connection with thefts of copper from Williams Gas Pipeline in Lower Chanceford Township, according to state police. Derick Hoke, 28, of Brogue was charged in connection with four thefts of copper wire between Nov. 23 and Feb. 28, a news release stated..." " (York Daily Record) (Pennsylvania)- http://www.ydr.com/rss/ci_20924760

"Stick to fracking science, not the politics: "...With so much at stake, now is the time for fact-based discussions that will lead to safe and realistic solutions. It is time to raise EPA’s level of accountability by sticking to the science and rising above the politics. Working together, we can succeed in safely developing our nation’s abundant resources for current needs and for future generations..." " (Mark S. Critz, 12th Congressional District via Trib Total Media, Inc.) (Pennsylvania)- http://triblive.com/opinion/2055478-74/epa-fracturing-hydraulic-public-science-agency-gas-pennsylvania-based-concern

"No Gas Pipeline Continues its Fight Against Spectra Energy with BBQ Musicfest Fundraiser: "...Sunday’s BBQ Musicfest will give people a chance to enjoy barbecue and beer while listening to a lineup of local bands, but behind the fun is a very serious cause. The “fun raiser” benefits No Gas Pipeline (NGP), the local organization against the Spectra Energy natural gas pipeline proposed to run through most of Jersey City, Bayonne and parts of Hoboken. The Houston-based company’s controversial project is one of a few causes that have united Jersey City residents and city officials – even the often divided City Council – who call the pipeline a “disaster” waiting to happen. More than 500 groups and individuals have filed as intervenors to legally fight the pipeline..." " (The Jersey City Independent) (New Jersey)- http://www.jerseycityindependent.com/2012/06/22/no-gas-pipeline-continues-its-fight-against-spectra-energy-with-bbq-musicfest-fundraiser/

"Ohio University still awaiting word from state regarding oil and gas drilling: "...Ohio University officials are still awaiting directions from the state regarding a house bill that will allow the state to consider university land for oil and gas drilling. sOhio House Bill 133 is a piece of legislation that overhauled the process for leasing state-owned land for oil and gas development. The legislation opens up all state land — including property under the jurisdiction of public colleges and universities — for potential natural gas and oil drilling. An ad hoc committee was formed at OU to evaluate ways to minimize any negative impact the university could see from the new legislation..." " (The Athens Messenger) (Ohio)- http://www.athensohiotoday.com/news/ohio-university-still-awaiting-word-from-state-regarding-oil-and/article_e1d57df8-bcb4-11e1-8189-001a4bcf887a.html

"Fight to prevent fracking giveaway is not over: "...Energy legislation, custom-made for the natural-gas and oil industry, sailed through the Republican-controlled General Assembly in Columbus this year. Gov. John Kasich happily signed it. But a groundswell of statewide activism is spreading in opposition. sMany people are dismayed at how quickly lawmakers approved industry demands about regulating hydraulic fracturing of shale natural gas deposits. Political leaders even agreed to open state parks to the controversial drilling practice. Better late than never, Ohioans have become aware that the devil is in the details. Nagging fears about known health and environmental dangers associated with "fracking" and the reckless disposal of its wastewater have prompted local pushback..." " (Opinion, Toledo Blade) (Ohio)- http://www.toledoblade.com/MarilouJohanek/2012/06/23/Fight-to-prevent-fracking-giveaway-is-not-over.html

"Harrison OKs seismic testing contract: "...The commissioners then approved contracting Global Geophysical for seismic testing on 942.19 acres of county property. The fee of $10 per acre will cost the county $9,421.90. "We are already operating a 3-D seismic project and have surveyors on the ground in Harrison County," said Barenz. "We have contracted with Consol Energy for over 13,000 acres in the county and Oxford Mining for over 1400 acres and are currently moving into surveying for private land owners."..." " (The Herald Star) (Ohio)- http://www.heraldstaronline.com/page/content.detail/id/575016/Harrison-OKs-seismic-testing-contract.html

"Drilling property owner charged with abduction: "...LISBON - David John Bernet, 54, U.S. Route 30, Hanoverton, was charged with abduction after he reportedly forcibly brought a man involved in drilling testing to the Columbiana County Sheriff's Department in his pickup at 6:55 p.m. Tuesday. Bernet told deputies the other man, who had on work attire including a safety vest labeled TGC, came onto his property without giving him 24 hours notice. Bernet said the company, based in Alliance, is required to give him notice, so he told the man, Miguel Angel Tovar, to get into his truck so they could figure it out at the sheriff's department. When he arrived at the sheriff's department, Bernet reportedly told deputies, "I caught him trespassing, you deal with it." Tovar told deputies Bernet actually approached him while holding a handgun and ordered him to the ground with his hands up while pointing the gun at him. He took Tovar's possessions and then ordered him into the vehicle putting the handgun in the back of the truck..." " (The Herald Star) (Ohio)- http://www.heraldstaronline.com/page/content.detail/id/575018/Drilling-property-owner-charged-with-abduction.html

"Silica exposure at fracking sites prompts alert: "...Recommendations include "a combination of engineering controls, work practices, protective equipment and product substitution, where feasible, along with worker training." "We applaud the efforts of the NIOSH NORA Council for Oil and Gas Extraction, OSHA and our partners from industry for helping to raise awareness of this hazard," said Kenny Jordan, executive director of the Association of Energy Service Companies." According to the NIOSH news release, AFL-CIO Health and Safety Director Margaret Seminario said, "The AFL-CIO strongly supports this hazard alert that provides important information to employers and workers involved in hydraulic fracturing operations regarding the serious health threat from silica exposures. It is critical that OSHA and NIOSH disseminate this information, so that immediate action can be taken to protect workers from silicosis and other silica-related diseases."..." " (Grounded/WV State Journal Energy Blog)- http://www.statejournal.com/story/18857853/silica-exposure-at-fracking-sites-prompts-alert

"McClendon replaced on Chesapeake board: "...WHEELING - Aubrey McClendon is being replaced as chairman of the Chesapeake Energy board of directors by Archie Dunham, who now will lead the most active natural gas producing company in the Ohio Valley. Chesapeake officials made the announcement Thursday regarding Dunham amid published reports that China-based Sinopec Corp. is contemplating a multibillion-dollar bid for company assets across the U.S..." " (The Herald Star) (West Virginia)- http://www.heraldstaronline.com/page/content.detail/id/575079/McClendon-replaced-on-Chesapeake-board.html

"Pipeline tax break again rejected: "...FARMINGDALE -- Voters for the second time rejected a tax break for a natural gas pipeline company and a selectman who touted it barely survived his reelection bid Friday...Summit, owned by a JP Morgan investment fund, plans to build a natural gas pipeline starting in Windsor, and then ranging from Richmond to Madison, and using distribution lines to reach large commercial, industrial and residential areas. Bill Crowley, a resident opposing the tax increment financing deal for the pipeline operator, cheered the vote against the TIF. "I personally believe this will give Summit Utilities second thoughts about building the pipeline," he said. "They have good financial backing. Why do they need a TIF?"..." " (The Kennebec Journal (Maine)- http://www.kjonline.com/news/farmingdalepipeline-tax-break-again-rejected_2012-06-22.html

United States & Canada:

"Fracking’s Biggest Problem May Be What to Do with Wastewater: "...The report, which Pacific Institute hopes will separate “the frack from the fiction,” also finds looming conflicts—and in some cases already existing battles—over water use for fracking and water use for agriculture. After all, fracking in Texas’s Eagle Ford Shale has used up to 13 million gallons of water per well, and even the least intense wells require at least 2.3 million gallons, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency..." " (Scientific American Blog)- http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/2012/06/22/frackings-biggest-problem-may-be-what-to-do-with-wastewater/

"GAO Investigation Finds Lack of Federal Oversight of Gas Pipelines : "...A recent report released by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that the federal government is largely ignorant of the condition of thousands of miles of natural gas pipelines crisscrossing the nation...A recent report released by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that the federal government is largely ignorant of the condition of thousands of miles of natural gas pipelines crisscrossing the nation..." " (Caroselli Beachler McTiernan Conboy LLC - Pittsburgh Office via Martindale Legal Library)- http://www.martindale.com/personal-injury-law/article_Caroselli-Beachler-McTiernan-Conboy-LLC_1537378.htm

"Lackluster economy, Obama administration, natural gas to thank for better air quality/U.S. cuts greenhouse gases despite do-nothing Congress" (CNN Money)- http://www.abc15.com/dpp/news/national/lackluster-economy-obama-administration-natural-gas-to-thank-for-better-air-quality & http://money.cnn.com/2012/06/21/news/economy/greenhouse-gases-cut/

"Interior allows more time to weigh in on 'fracking' rule: "...The Interior Department is extending the public comment period on draft rules to regulate oil-and-gas "fracking" by 60 days after being pressured by energy companies that wanted more time to weigh in. Interior’s Bureau of Land Management had initially required comments by July 10 on the regulations that will govern the oil-and-gas development method called hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, on public lands. An Interior spokesman said the decision was made to give stakeholders more time to provide "important feedback."...Amy Mall, of the Natural Resources Defense Council, said Interior should not delay them. “The industry has plenty of money for $500 per hour attorneys that could have completed comments by the original July deadline. Meanwhile, Americans across the country are concerned about risks to their drinking water and the health of their children near fracking sites and can’t afford to wait,” said Mall, a senior policy analyst with the group. Fetcher, the Interior spokesman, said the extended comment period probably won't delay completion of a final regulation. "We don’t expect this extension will have an impact on the timing for a final rule later this year," he said..." " (The Hill's Energy & Environment Blog)- http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/234315-interior-slows-down-review-of-gas-fracking-rule

"U.S. extends time for public feedback on fracking rules: "...(Reuters) - The Obama administration is extending by 60 days the deadline for the public to comment on a proposal expanding oversight of fracking drilling on federal lands, as both industry and environmental groups seek changes. The Interior Department unveiled draft regulations in early May that would require companies to get approval before using fracking and to reveal the chemicals they would use in the process after they finish drilling. "To ensure that the public and key stakeholders, including industry and public health groups, are able to provide important feedback that will help inform any final rule, Interior has decided to extend the public comment period for our commonsense draft rule," the department said in a statement..." " (Reuters)- http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/22/us-usa-fracking-regulations-idUSBRE85L1DQ20120622

"White House delaying BLM rule at industry's request: "..."We know that there are some pretty significant things within that proposal that need to be fixed and addressed, and we're going to do that," Heather Zichal, President Obama's top adviser on energy and climate change issues, told a roomful of people from the natural gas industry yesterday..."Mostly in response to concerns we have heard from industry about the need to extend that comment period, we will be extending that comment period," Zichal said...The comment period extension is one of a number of examples Zichal cited during her appearance before the Natural Gas Roundtable yesterday in which the administration has fulfilled requests from industry. Another is a task force set up to resolve drillers' concerns about a multiyear study of hydraulic fracturing by the United States. "That's an area where we heard loud and clear about some concerns about testing protocols and directionally where the EPA was going with that," Zichal said. "We want to create a better dialogue. We're working to fix that." And she said the administration has put together a working group including EPA and the Office of Science and Technology Policy to resolve the gas industry's complaints about EPA figures on the amount of gas that drillers vent into the atmosphere. "We have heard you on your concerns. We have put our best and brightest minds together on this," Zichal said...." " (EnergyWire)- http://www.eenews.net/public/energywire/2012/06/22/1

"Wyo Gov. Matt Mead asks for more time on federal fracking rules: "...Wyoming’s governor is asking the Interior Department for more time to study its proposed rules for the use of hydraulic fracturing on federal land. The request by Gov. Matt Mead, announced Thursday, joins similar and separate requests sent by a state industry group, county commissioners and a key committee of state legislators..." " (Casper Star-Tribune) (Wyoming)- http://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/gov-matt-mead-asks-for-more-time-on-federal-fracking/article_19170f98-fb6d-5e5f-aa2d-11b621a80e66.html

"Silica a hazard at fracking sites, report says" (Reuters)- http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/22/us-fracking-study-idUSBRE85L1C320120622

"The Arithmetic Of Shale Gas: "...But all things considered the benefits of shale gas appear to outweigh the costs...A group of Yale economics graduates, many of them energy industry executives, led by Yale Professor Emeritus Paul W. MacAvoy, were curious about whether they could quantify the economic benefit that shale gas has on America. So they recently set out to do a cost-benefit analysis, valuing and balancing the pros against the cons. They’ve released their findings in a paper called “The Arithmetic of Shale Gas.”..." " (Forbes)- http://www.forbes.com/sites/christopherhelman/2012/06/22/the-arithmetic-of-shale-gas/

"Natural-Gas Carmaker: There's Still Room For Electric Cars: "...“CNG is a perfect fuel for heavy-duty fleet vehicles—garbage trucks, street sweepers, transit buses. Any vehicle that travels a lot of miles every day really gets the bang from the buck from natural gas, and the fuel savings pay off the extra cost of the vehicle.” Klein’s Vehicle Production Group, which is backed by T. Boone Pickens, sells natural-gas sedans to cities and taxi-cab companies, but he still touts electric vehicles for consumer-automobile “applications.”..." " (Forbes)- http://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffmcmahon/2012/06/23/natural-gas-carmaker-theres-still-room-for-electric-cars/ (See also "Electric Generation Using Natural Gas: "...The graph below shows how, according to the EIA, natural gas-fired electricity generation is expected to account for 80 percent of all added electricity generation capacity by 2035..." " (http://www.naturalgas.org/overview/uses_eletrical.asp )

"Fracking is unsafe and must be addressed: "...Monmouth, Ill. — Illinois’ legislature failed to pass a law addressing fracking last month, and the result may be less that state dodged a bullet and more that Illinoisans got a blindfold before the order to fire. The House’s last-day attempt to impose a two-year moratorium and a tax on fracking scuttled SB3280, which sought to create fracking regulations where none exist (the Energy Policy Act of 2005 exempts it from the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, and other federal environmental regulations). The state Senate unanimously approved the measure in April...So it’s up to persuasion and politics, or people power, to protect Illinois..." " (Opinion, Daily Review Atlas) (Illinois)- http://www.reviewatlas.com/news/x2102585537/Fracking-is-unsafe-and-must-be-addressed

"Company breaks ground on natural gas refueling site: "...BALL GROUND — Advanced Disposal Services Inc., a regional integrated environmental services company, officially began construction Friday of the company’s first compressed natural gas fueling facility at its Atlanta North location. The $2 million facility will fuel 67 CNG trucks, the first of which will service the metro Atlanta area, in particular Gwinnett County and the city of Roswell..." " (Cherokee Tribune) (Georgia)- http://www.cherokeetribune.com/view/full_story/19085092/article-Company-breaks-ground-on-natural-gas-refueling-site

"LETTER — Sign petition to put anti-fracking initiative on state ballot: "...Saugatuck Township — A petition to ban fracking in Michigan is being circulated throughout the state. On May 8 the Michigan Department of Resources offered over 108,000 acres of state land in 23 counties to bidders interested in purchasing five-year mineral rights leases for the purpose of oil and gas drilling. The Michigan House of Representatives’ Natural Gas Subcommittee recommends that the state lease all remaining public land — 5.3 million unleased acres — to drastically increase oil and gas extraction..." " (Letter to editor, The Holland Sentinel) (Michigan)- http://www.hollandsentinel.com/opinions/x681123089/LETTER-Sign-petition-to-put-anti-fracking-initiative-on-state-ballot (See also "Committee to Ban Fracking in Michigan"- http://letsbanfracking.org )

"Embarrassing silence: Politicians must stand up and say what’s necessary about the forest: "...Oil and gas companies can’t be allowed to set up shop in the Talladega National Forest. That land is too valuable and too historic to let America’s thirst for energy and profits cloud our judgment. The forest must be protected. Thus far, what Alabamians have heard are outcries from a few local politicians and crickets from those who have clout. Drilling is too political for some Alabama Republicans to stand up and tell Washington what must be said: No hydraulic fracking in the Talladega National Forest. Their silence is embarrassingly loud..." " (Opinion, Anniston Star) (Alabama)- http://www.annistonstar.com/view/full_story/19083831/article-Embarrassing-silence--Politicians-must-stand-up-and-say-what%E2%80%99s-necessary-about-the-forest

"Frank's Casing wants injured well worker to re-plead case : "...A defendant in litigation brought by Kenneth Poole, who sued for an injury he received while working a gas well, is asking the court to force the plaintiff to re-plead his case. Poole and his wife Carol filed the suit Ballard Exploration and two other companies on April 11, 2011, in Jefferson County District Court. The other defendants named in the suit include Frank's Casing Crew & Rental tools and the Schlumberger Co. Court records show that on May 18 Frank's filed a special exceptions to the plaintiff's second amended petition, requesting that the court order Poole to re-plead his causes of action against the company and to dismiss the case if he refuses. "Many of plaintiff's claims are completely unsupported by any factual allegations, while others contain allegations which are so ambiguous that Frank's must guess at the purported factual basis for plaintiff's claims," the special exceptions document states. Frank's maintains it cannot mount a defense. According to the original petition, Poole, while working at a gas well near the city of Beaumont, was injured on May 4, 2010, when the tubing running into the well fell, causing a pipe to strike him. The J-hook hoisting the tube did not have a safety keeper on it, causing it tome come loose, the suit alleges..." " (Southeast Texas Record) (Texas)- http://www.setexasrecord.com/news/244881-franks-casing-wants-injured-well-worker-to-re-plead-case

"Our Response to Range Resources' David Poole: "...Here is the threatening letter from and our response to David Poole, Senior VP and General Counsel at Range Resources. Since we responded asking him exactly what false statements I had made about him, we have not heard back from Mr. Poole...complete silence. As a matter of fact, since the intimidation tactics that Range Resources was using on Texas Sharon became public, it appears that Mr. Poole and the rest of the goons have climbed under a rock to hide. Or, perhaps Range Resources and their investors finally stuffed a sock in Poole's mouth to keep him quiet. Also, the Range Resources' bought and paid for judge in Parker County, who got beat in the election, must have climbed under the rock with Poole. He has removed himself from the case, and is working on going back to ambulance chasing, where he belongs..." " (Calvin Tillman, Former Mayor of DISH, TX Blog) (Texas)- http://baddish.blogspot.com/2012/06/our-response-to-range-resources-david.html

(Video) "The Making of a Gas Well Next Door: "...What is it like to have a new gas well next door? This video may give you a clue. This is happening everywhere in every gas field, this gas field happens to be the Barnett Shale, but it could be next to you and your family. People living within a half-mile of oil- and gas-well fracking operations are exposed to air pollutants five times above a federal hazard standard, according to a new Colorado study. Those of us that have to live with this increased health risk are just considered collateral damage by the Oil & Gas industries..." " (Video, David Mcfatridge via YouTube) (Texas)- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3zCXXxRk5Y

"Lyle Boggs column: Don't count on industry to police fracking: "...I’ve been noticing a lot of natural gas commercials lately. Images of pristine landscapes and healthy children fill the screen. A soothing voice assures listeners that “proven technologies” are protecting the air we breathe and the water we drink. It’s all rainbows and lollipops. Everybody is going to get a job, a unicorn and an abundant supply of cheap and clean energy if you believe the pitch. It all sounds great, but trusting corporations to be honest stewards of the environment has a proven track record. It doesn’t work too well..." " (Opinion, GANNETT) (Wisconsin)- http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20120623/APC06/306230038/

"Report's claims of sand pollution disputed: "...A group critical of the frac sand industry in the Chippewa Valley is claiming the EOG sand plant in Chippewa Falls is producing off-site particle pollution that is “quite possibly” a health hazard. The group’s conclusions are based on a study of data that people associated with the group gathered on their own. However, a DNR official and a national air quality monitoring expert say the equipment used in the study and the methodology are suspect, and the conclusions are not supported by data being gathered from more sophisticated equipment at the plant site..." " (The Chippewa Herald) (Wisconsin)- http://chippewa.com/news/local/report-s-claims-of-sand-pollution-disputed/article_0eaa06c4-bbbf-11e1-b627-001a4bcf887a.html

"Colorado Republicans spearhead controversial energy bill in U.S. House: "...The U.S. House passed a sweeping energy package Thursday that Alison Gannett, a farmer in the North Fork Valley, said puts “oil and gas companies first and Coloradans last.” “Our Congressman should stand with the people of his district — not the oil and gas companies from Oklahoma and Texas,” said Gannet, owner of Holy Terror Farm. “We farm and make our living here.” She is one of dozens of farmers in the North Fork Valley concerned about oil and gas drilling encroaching on their lands and fouling the environment. Under pressure from residents and environmental groups, the Bureau of Land Management announced last month that it was deferring all parcels associated with a disputed oil and gas lease sale in the North Fork Valley planned for August..." " (The Colorado Independent via Real Vail) (Colorado)- http://www.realvail.com/article/1485/Colorado-Republicans-spearhead-controversial-energy-bill-in-US-House

"Report: High oil prices driving the shift away from gas drilling: "...Researchers looked at both the fossil fuel and renewable energy industries to determine changes that have occurred and how that has affected the economy. Oil and gas extraction in Colorado accounted for 1 percent of employment in 2010, although the report did not break that statistic down by county. Employment with the industry is more significant in Mesa and Garfield counties. The report found Colorado has strong competitive advantages in the renewable energy sector, and investment could be important for diversifying the state's economy and energy portfolio. “Green jobs,” of which renewable energy is a part, accounted for 2 percent of all employment, according to the Brookings Institute..." " (Grand Junction Free Press) (Colorado)- www.postindependent.com/article/20120623/VALLEYNEWS/120629963/1083&ParentProfile=1074

"Federal judge halts gas drilling plan on Colorado plateau: "..."Like many areas of Colorado, the area has been blessed with an abundance of two major resources, the uses of which are often in conflict," Krieger wrote in her 38-page opinion. "Its surface offers extensive and largely unspoiled ... scenic, ecological and wildlife virtues. Below the surface... contains valuable oil and gas reserves."..." " (Reuters) (Colorado)- http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/23/us-usa-colorado-drilling-idUSBRE85M02320120623

"Report: Volume of water used for fracking in Colorado could serve 79,000 households a year : "..."Governments -- local, state and national -- really need to take a look at this and plan out drilling and make sure they do it right," said Jason Bane, spokesman for Western Resource Advocates. "We don't want to look around 10 years from now and say we shouldn't have used so much water." But Tisha Schuller, president of the Colorado Oil and Gas Association, said the industry's water use is miniscule compared to all water consumption in the state..." " (Boulder Daily Camera) (Colorado)- http://www.dailycamera.com/energy/ci_20899000/report-volume-water-used-fracking-colorado-could-serve & http://www.timescall.com/ci_20899000/report-volume-water-used-fracking-colorado-could-serve

"Polis amendment to increase oil and gas setbacks defeated: "...U.S. Rep. Jared Polis unsuccessfully offered an amendment in the U.S. House on Wednesday, June 20, that aimed to set a 1,000-foot buffer between schools and hydraulic fracturing activities. Republicans defeated the amendment on a voice vote after it was offered in consideration of a bill that Polis' office said would hand acres of additional public lands over to oil and gas companies. Polis met with fracking opponents in Erie in the spring to discuss their concerns over the process, in which sand, water and chemicals are injected into the ground to loosen gas from underground deposits. The congressman said research has found increased concentrations of airborne toxic chemicals near wells. His office cited a report by the Colorado School of Public Health that indicated that residents living less than a half-mile from wells are at greater risk of acute and chronic health problems. Colorado law requires all oil and gas drilling operations to locate 350 feet away from residential areas or schools..." " (Hometown Weekly) (Colorado)- http://www.coloradohometownweekly.com/ci_20918293/polis-amendment-increase-oil-and-gas-setbacks-defeated

"Former GarCo Commissioner Tresi Houpt on Energy: "...As a Garfield County Commissioner until 2010, Tresi Haupt kept a sharp eye on gas drilling activities in the county and often served to restrain the prevailing pro-business temperment of the board. She held a concurrent seat on the Colorado Gas and Oil Conservation Commission, after that regulating agency's makeup was reformed to include non-industry members. On this episode of NRG with MG, Tresi Haupt sizes up the county board and the COGCC in the context of colliding political, business and public interests with KDNK's Marilyn Gleason..." " (Audio, KDNK) (Colorado)- http://www.kdnk.org/story.cfm?id=1340211888617

"Boulder girl, 12, to perform her own play about fracking Saturday: "...You're never too young to be a playwright, as a Boulder 12-year-old proves with her show about fracking. Aster Arwen-LaFountain's play, called "Arikaree and the Frack Frack Monster," was inspired by her and her family's opposition to hydraulic fracturing, or fracking..." " (Boulder Daily Camera) (Colorado)- http://www.dailycamera.com/news/boulder/ci_20920483/boulder-girl-12-perform-self-penned-play-about & http://www.timescall.com/ci_20920483/boulder-girl-12-perform-self-penned-play-about

"Study focuses on 'massive' water use in fracking: "...A new report says public debate over hydraulic fracturing should be broadened to include the amount of water used and disposed of underground as part of the controversial oil field technique also known as "fracking." The paper released Thursday by Oakland-based nonprofit Pacific Institute notes that the national discussion of fracking has focused on identifying the sometimes toxic chemicals injected underground as part of the process..." " (The Bakersfield Californian) (California)- http://www.bakersfield.com/news/business/economy/x1076260269/Study-focuses-on-massive-water-use-in-fracking

"Independence Township residents protest natural gas drilling at Bay Court Park WITH VIDEO: "...Plans for drilling for natural gas have led to protests in Independence Township. Opponents of the drilling are orchestrating a petition drive to stop the drilling, which they say also involves a practice known as fracking — using pressurized fluid in rock — to release natural gas from underground rock formations. Opponents recently held a protest and rally at Bay Court Park, off of Andersonville Road in the southwest corner of Independence Township, to draw attention to the issue. Seventy-five percent of Bay Court Park’s mineral rights are owned by the State of Michigan. Currently, the state has leased their mineral rights to Jordan Development Co., LLC, based in Traverse City..." " (The Oakland Press) (California)- http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2012/06/23/news/local_news/doc4fe635e208a14731144826.txt

"Is liquefied natural gas the wave of the future?: "...The province of British Columbia is betting heavily on liquefied natural gas for its future, with Premier Christy Clark vowing the province will have three LNG plants by 2020. The reason: Gas exploration and development could mean big bucks for provincial coffers..." " (Vancouver Sun) (Canada)- http://www.vancouversun.com/business/2035/liquefied+natural+wave+future/6826756/story.html

"Residents to rally against northwest oil well: "...Dale Hodges would rather not see a day when residents have to walk around an oil or gas well in the middle of Olympic Plaza. It may sound like a long shot, but the Calgary alderman believes it could happen without an urban drilling policy in place. “We’re trying to get the province’s attention on actually having some policies — which they don’t — on urban areas,” Hodges said. “I’m not holding my breath, but hopefully the province will decide there should be some rules.”..." " (The Calgary Sun) (Canada)- http://www.calgarysun.com/2012/06/23/residents-to-rally-against-northwest-oil-well

International:

"06-23-12 Natural Gas Daily Report" (The Carbon Capture Report)- http://gas.carboncapturereport.org/cgi-bin//dailyreport?DATE=2012-06-23

"Worry for homeowners who face the threat of fracking: "...Property prices in some area are being threatened by fracking, a controversial method of extracting shale gas..." " (The Guardian) (United Kingdom)- http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2012/jun/23/fracking-undermine-value-home

"Precautionary Principle needed for shale gas study field : "...A crowd of over 150 people were told that the precautionary principle needs to be applied when considering the public health implications of Hydraulic Fracturing (fracking). Dr. Carroll O Dolan G.P from Blacklion, Co. Cavan was one of the panelists speaking in Manorhamilton at a public meeting organised by the Love Leitrim last, Tuesday, June 12. The purpose of the night was to review the recent Environmental Protection Agencies (EPA) report. Among the limitations of the report according to Rob Doyle MVB was that its terms of reference failed to look at the impact of the procedure on the wider environment and landscape, on climate change, or its potential to displace jobs in agriculture and tourism, along with its risk to community cohesion and public health. .." " (Leitrim Observer) (Ireland)- http://www.leitrimobserver.ie/news/local/precautionary-principle-needed-for-shale-gas-study-field-1-3967038

"State appoints coal seam gas commissioner: "..."Another high level bureaucrat does not satisfy the community's demand for protection," Mr Buckingham said. "We need legislative change to end the automatic right for mining companies to enter private properties to conduct exploration." Community group Lock the Gate alliance said the changes came too late, and didn't go far enough. "What farmers have been asking for is the right to say no to access agreements, not for more process that still gives gas companies the right to march onto their land," vice president Jacinta Green said. "There needs to be some areas of NSW off limits."..." " (AAP) (Australia)- http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/breaking-news/state-appoints-coal-seam-gas-commissioner/story-e6frg12u-1226406332172 & http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/breaking-news/state-appoints-coal-seam-gas-commissioner/story-e6freuyi-1226406332172

"James Price Point: EPA members locked out of report: "...The ABC says four of the EPA’s five members did not contribute to an important environmental assessment. The four members were unable to participate due to conflict of interest rules...The state oppositions says this is damaging the Environmental Protection Authority’s reputation. Shadow environment minister Sally Talbot said the goverment should not have appointed so many board members who were so close to the industry..." " (Kimberley Page) (Australia)- http://www.kimberleypage.com.au/2012/06/james-price-point-epa-members-locked-out-of-report/