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U.S. releases estimate of Utica Shale reserves
Drilling companies beginning to explore the Utica Shale got a piece of good news Friday when the U.S. Geological Survey estimated the rock formation in Ohio, Pennsylvania and other states holds enormous reserves of natural gas and oil. Releasing its first estimate of the Utica, the USGS calculated the shale formation holds about 38 trillion […]
Experts: Some fracking critics use bad science
PITTSBURGH — In the debate over natural gas drilling, the companies are often the ones accused of twisting the facts. But scientists say opponents sometimes mislead the public, too. Critics of fracking often raise alarms about groundwater pollution, air pollution, and cancer risks, and there are still many uncertainties. But some of the claims have […]
Garrett County biz group backs Md. gas drilling
OAKLAND — The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce is urging state regulators to expedite their study of methods for safely extracting natural gas from shale deposits in far western Maryland. The Cumberland Times-News reported in its Friday edition that the group has sent a position paper on the topic to the county’s state legislators and […]
‘Fracking’ hits home (and business)
Glade Run rises from springs along the ridge a mile away and then flows through our valley. From my winery window, I see its black-soil banks wiggling across the spring green. In most places, I could jump across; were cows not around, I wouldn’t hesitate to drink. Yet Glade Run will inundate our valley several […]
Mike Tidwell: Maryland needs drill fee for fracking study
Paul Roberts is a Western Maryland farmer who – understandably – doesn’t want his world to change. He grows gorgeous Appalachian wine grapes on a modest spread in Garrett County, near the Pennsylvania border. He and his wife Nadine turn those grapes into 1,000 cases of handcrafted wine sold annually across the East Coast. They […]
CDC scientist: Tests needed on gas drilling impact
PITTSBURGH — One of the government’s top scientists says much more research is needed to determine the possible impacts of shale gas drilling on human health and the environment. “Studies should include all the ways people can be exposed, such as through air, water, soil, plants and animals,” Dr. Christopher Portier wrote to The Associated […]
Western Maryland faces ‘fracking’ fight
GARRETT COUNTY — Garrett County resident Dana Shimrock was relieved when Maryland put the brakes on drilling in the natural gas-rich Marcellus Shale before a single well could be drilled. “They had just completed a well not far from me across the border in Pennsylvania,” Shimrock said. “I knew they were ready to roll over […]
