Three weaknesses stand out in the new Duke University study of methane in water wells in northeastern Pennsylvania - research that focuses on the hydraulic fracturing process used to free natural gas and oil from subterranean rock, which has been done for more than 60 years.

First: Levels of methane that researchers claim to have found in water near hydraulically fractured natural gas wells probably aren't a health risk. Even lead author Stephen G. Osborn notes that "dissolved methane in drinking water is not currently classified as a health hazard for ingestion."

Studies show methane evaporates quickly and is rapidly eliminated from the body. Although methane in closed spaces can be risky, the levels described in the study appear to be well below danger thresholds. The fact is Pennsylvani... more »

On Monday, Feb. 28th, we told you about our concerns over The New York Times articles on natural gas drilling and drinking water. As you might recall, the Times criticized the handling and disposal of drilling waste water, implying that natural gas operations might be harming water supplies in several Northeastern cities. The Times offered no solid facts to back up its assertions.

API's Richard Ranger, who is very knowledgeable about drilling operations, has just recorded his thoughts on the Times' claims:

Richard isn't the only one who found fault with the Times' articles:

• Jazz Shaw at Hot Air dismissed them as "one more attempt to prevent the development of any domestic energy supplies unless they fit in with the green /renewable energy agenda. And that's the same agenda which, while... more »

In today's episode, I interview David Adams, Halliburton's vice president for production enhancement, about hydraulic fracturing. He describes the fracking process, the associated benefits as well as the exaggerated risks.

Use the audio player below to listen to information about the article and follow along with the show notes. I hope you find the podcast informative.

00:17 The U.S. government released statistics a few days ago showing that natural gas supplies have reached the highest level since 1971. Much of the credit for the supply expansion goes to the drilling companies that are using a combination of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing to coax natural gas from hard rock formations, such as the Barnett Shale in Texas. One of the companies provi... more »

Did you know that hydraulic fracturing has been used in about one million oil and natural gas wells in the United States? This tried-and-true process injects wells with water, small amounts of chemicals and sand to create tiny cracks in hard rock, allowing natural gas and/or oil to flow up the wellbore. Fracking, as it's often called, occurs thousands of feet below aquifers containing fresh water, and water supplies are protected by state well construction and drilling regulations.

But there is a misperception in many parts of the country that hydraulic fracturing threatens drinking water. According to Bruce Vincent, vice chair of the Independent Petroleum Association of America, who testified at the inaugural hearing of the new House Natural Gas Caucus last week, this misperception is bei... more »