Background factsheets on proposed North Carolina fracking rules

The NC Mining & Energy Commission has proposed a package of 120+ rules establishing a regulatory framework for shale gas development - fracking - in North Carolina.  The Commission is holding four public hearings and accepting public comment on the proposed rules through Monday, September 15.  We've collected the factsheets below, from several organizations, addressing various aspects of the proposed fracking rules, in hopes that these will be a useful resource if you're planning to comment.

Natural gas extraction and post-closure methane emissions

In North Carolina, much opposition to fracking has reflected concern over air, water, and soil contamination.  At the national level, debate has also swirled around the potential impact of natural gas extraction on the global climate.  A recent PhD dissertation from Princeton University attaches numbers to a concern that has largely escaped notice until now: the potential impact of methane leaking, not from active wells, but from old wells that have ceased production.

What's wrong with S786, Energy Modernization Act

This afternoon, the NC House voted 63 - 52 (on second reading) to approve S786, Energy Modernization Act, the 2014 short session fracking bill.  The bill breaks the promise made by the state legislature twice - in 2012 and again in 2013 - that legislators would wait until state regulators finalized a new regulatory program before voting whether to allow issuance of fracking permits.  Beyond this, the bill fails to address the major threats fracking poses to public health, communities, and the environment in North Carolina.  The bill will be up for third reading on the House floor tomorrow.

Our more detailed take on the bill and its shortcomings is here.