Eco-Friendly Fracking Solutions Key to Resolving Disputes Over Land Use
(PRWEB) September 20, 2013 -- There has been no shortage of flash points in the debate over fracking, but tensions are currently rising in Virginia, where George Washington National Forest is located.
Underneath the nearly 2-million-acre forest lies part of the Marcellus shale formation, which is rich in natural gas. Development of its reserves has spurred significant economic growth in Pennsylvania and numerous other states are also moving forward with production plans. For instance, Ohio is currently building the necessary infrastructure to begin large-scale gas production.
However, Virginia is currently waiting on federal regulators. The U.S. Forest Service is expected to make a decision on fracking in the George Washington by the end of the month as part of the process of crafting a new 15-year forest management plan. Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell has been critical of federal officials' intrusion into his state's business, calling it an example of regulatory overreach that inhibits growth.
Conservationists have pushed for the Forest Service to prohibit development of the gas resources contained in the National Forest, highlighting the watershed's importance as a source of drinking water for residents of Northern Virginia and the District of Columbia.
As in other cases where water and energy resources are found alongside one another, it harms the interests of all stakeholders when either side of the debate adopts a "zero sum" mentality in which there can be only one winner.
At Chem Rock Technologies, we understand that the most progress can be made when those with opposing views come together to find solutions that address the concerns of all parties. That's why we remain committed to the development of environmentally friendly fracking chemicals that allow well operators to efficiently produce the energy our economy needs while preserving the land and other natural resources that are vital to America's future.
Ben Davis, EnerSciences, http://www.enersciences.com, 512-505-4101, [email protected]
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