Michigan lawmakers consider pushing for openness in natural gas harvesting

Michigan lawmakers consider pushing for openness in natural gas harvesting by Jim Lynch, April 25, 2012, The Detroit News
A bill introduced this week by House Democrats would require companies producing natural gas in Michigan through hydraulic fracturing to fully disclose the chemical solution used in their processes — a level of openness the industry has long opposed. … This week, Democrats in Michigan are introducing a bill that would require companies seeking permits for hydraulic fracturing to disclose their complete recipe for fracking fluid. “This would require a full disclosure before a permit can be given,” said state Rep. Lisa Brown, D-West Bloomfield. “We just want to know what’s being put into our ground and, probably, our water.” … Calgary, Alberta-based Encana Corp. has dug three test wells over the last two years to judge the viability of hydraulic fracturing there. … James Clift, policy director for the Michigan Environmental Council, said there has been a shift the political climate on full disclosure for hydraulic fracturing in recent years. “Right now in both caucuses they are working on chemical disclosure bills,” he said. “I think everyone realizes that transparency…makes sense.”