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DeGette, Dems push Upton for fracking hearings in wake of DOE report

Colorado’s senior member of Congress, U.S. Rep

Jul 31, 2020
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Colorado’s senior member of Congress, U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette, today joined other Democrats in calling on House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Uptonto hold a hearing on a new Department of Energy (DOE) report warning about the dangers of hydraulic fracturing.
Released late last week, the report (pdf)by the DOE’s Advisory Board Subcommittee on Shale Gas Production (SEAB) concluded that “concerted and sustained action is needed to avoid excessive environmental impacts of shale gas production and the consequent risk of public opposition to its continuation and expansion.”
The seven-member SEAB panel released a draft in August that called for more industry transparency and disclosureof the chemicals used in the controversial drilling practice sometimes referred to as “fracking.” Critics say it can contaminate groundwater, which industry officials deny. The makeup of the panel previously had been criticized by scientists who felt it leaned too heavily toward industryinterests.
DeGette and Reps. Henry Waxman and Edward Markey want to hear more about the findings in an open committee hearing.
“To date, the committee has not held a single hearing on the topic of hydraulic fracturing and natural gas development, despite the importance of natural gas to our energy future and widespread public concern about air and water pollution from natural gas production,” the three Dems wrote (pdf) Uptontoday. “The SEAB report is a good place to start. We request that you schedule a hearing on this issue as soon as possible.”
Fracking is mostly regulated by state agencies, including the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC), which is holding a hearing on proposed new chemical disclosure rules next month.
Dexter Cooke

Dexter Cooke

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Dexter Cooke is an economist, marketing strategist, and orthopedic surgeon with over 20 years of experience crafting compelling narratives that resonate worldwide. He holds a Journalism degree from Columbia University, an Economics background from Yale University, and a medical degree with a postdoctoral fellowship in orthopedic medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina. Dexter’s insights into media, economics, and marketing shine through his prolific contributions to respected publications and advisory roles for influential organizations. As an orthopedic surgeon specializing in minimally invasive knee replacement surgery and laparoscopic procedures, Dexter prioritizes patient care above all. Outside his professional pursuits, Dexter enjoys collecting vintage watches, studying ancient civilizations, learning about astronomy, and participating in charity runs.
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