DeGette Applauds Committee Investigation of Hydraulic Fracturing

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO), Vice Chair of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, today applauded the Committee's intent to investigate hydraulic fracturing:

"I welcome today's announcement of an investigation into hydraulic fracturing practices. I am particularly troubled by the revelation that companies have been using diesel fuel, apparently in violation of the Memorandum of Agreement with EPA. Natural gas is an important fuel for our energy future, but we must ensure that the way we retrieve natural gas does not endanger drinking water. My hydraulic fracturing bill, the FRAC Act, strikes the right balance between energy development and protecting the public's water sources."

The Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and the Environment today announced that Chairman Henry Waxman and Chairman Ed Markey are sending letters to eight oil and gas service companies regarding their hydraulic fracturing practices.

Attached is a memorandum regarding the FRAC Act.

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