German Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources Opines that Shale Gas Extraction Will Not Damage Water Supplies

On January 18, 2016, the German Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources released a study entitled “Shale Gas in Germany: Environmental Aspects” as translated from German. According to a media report, “the study has found that it is possible to tap these unconventional reserves without damaging drinking water reservoirs.” This report is being presented at a time when a bill allowing commercial shale gas production is currently pending on the German Parliament’s agenda.

In July 2014, both of the German Federal Economics and Environment Ministries introduced a combined framework document stating that below 3,000 meters, commercial shale gas production was prohibited to avoid groundwater pollution. Nonetheless, above 3,000 meters, hydraulic fracturing was allowed merely for scientific and exploration purposes. In November 2014, they presented a revised version of the framework providing that if test measures were successful, commercial shale gas production could be allowed provided that all environmental impacts were able to be handled properly. Thus, this study could be a game-changer as to whether shale gas resources are developed beneath German soil.

The study is written in German and is available here.

Written by Chloe Marie - Research Fellow

02/05/2016

Environmental Organization Sues California Department of Conservation Alleging Violations of CEQA and Well Stimulation Regulations

On July 28, 2015, the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) filed a lawsuit against California Department of Conservation, Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources (DOGGR) challenging the final Environmental Impact Report (EIR). This report, released on July 1, 2015, assesses the potential impact of oil and gas well stimulation in California.

In compliance with Senate Bill No. 4, DOGGR was required to complete an EIR pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act. CBD, however, argues that DOGGR issued a “fundamentally flawed” EIR that fails to address the environmental impacts of hydraulic fracturing as well as appropriate mitigation measures and alternatives. CBD also contends that DOGGR made some important factual errors in the report.

In their claims, CBD alleges that DOGGR approved and certified the EIR in violation of the California Environmental Quality Act and of SB 4. As a result, CBD seeks declaratory and injunctive reliefs. 

The case remains pending in the Superior Court for the State of California for the County of Sacramento. 

Written by Chloe Marie - Research Fellow

07/31/2015

California’s Final Regulations on Hydraulic Fracturing Become Effective

On July 1, 2015, the final text of California’s regulations on unconventional well stimulation techniques, including hydraulic fracturing, officially became effective. These final regulations implement Senate Bill No. 4, which was approved and signed by California Governor Jerry Brown, on September 20, 2013.

The California Department of Conservation’s Division of Oil, Gas and Geothermal Resources (DOGGR) promulgated the final regulations on January 1, 2015, which were to take effect 6 months later. The final regulations replace SB 4 interim well stimulation regulations that were implemented to fill the gap period during the regular rulemaking process. SB 4 interim regulations had been effective since January 1, 2014.

Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act, SB 4 also commissioned the state of California to develop an Environmental Impact Report assessing the potential impacts of oil and gas well stimulation in California. This report also was released on July 1, 2015.

Further information is available at http://www.conservation.ca.gov/Index/Pages/Index.aspx.

Written by Chloe Marie - Research Fellow

07/06/2015