Maryland county becomes first in state to say ‘no’ to fracking

Lawmakers in Prince George’s County voted unanimously on Tuesday to ban hydraulic fracking, becoming the first local jurisdiction in Maryland to prohibit the extraction of natural gas within its borders since the state’s moratorium on the practice went into effect. Washington Post.  Apr 13 2016

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/maryland-county-becomes-first-in-state-to-say-no-to-fracking/2016/04/12/62c08702-00cf-11e6-9d36-33d198ea26c5_story.html

Review faults EPA oversight of oil and gas wastewater

A federal review has faulted the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for not taking sufficient steps to safeguard drinking water supplies from the wastewater generated by the oil and gas industries. Palm Springs Desert Sun, California.  Apr 13 2016

http://www.desertsun.com/story/news/environment/2016/04/12/review-faults-epa-oversight-oil-and-gas-wastewater/82819866/

Scientists find fracking contaminated Wyoming water after EPA halted study

Two scientists have highlighted dangerous water contamination from a fracking operation in Wyoming, three years after the US EPA decided to abandon its investigation into the matter. The Guardian.  Apr 08 2016

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/apr/07/wyoming-fracking-water-contamination-dangerous-chemicals

In W. Virginia, frack wastewater may be messing with hormones

Water around and downstream from a fracking wastewater disposal facility in West Virginia contains compounds that may harm fish health by messing with endocrine systems, according to a new study. Environmental Health News.  Apr 06 2016

http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/news/2016/april/in-w.-virginia-frack-wastewater-may-be-messing-with-hormones

Groups call for more transparency in sharing Utica shale benefits and risks

Since 2011, shale gas drilling has been a way of life for some eastern Ohio communities, with residents acutely aware of both the benefits and drawbacks. But as production declines, are those perceptions changing? Midwest Energy News, United States.  Apr 05 2016

http://midwestenergynews.com/2016/04/05/groups-call-for-more-transparency-in-sharing-utica-shale-benefits-and-risks/