TCEQ on Barnett Shale

HOUSTON (AP) _ The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has formally proposed beefing up regulations on oil and gas drilling in the state’s Barnett Shale region.

The rules were proposed on Wednesday. The proposal now enters a public comment period. The new rules are expected to go into effect Feb. 1.

The new rules are meant to strengthen technical drilling requirements and oversight of the oil and gas facilities. Many facilities are near urban areas.

TCEQ has been accused of having weak regulations, contributing to air pollution.

The TCEQ now has four monitors that measure pollution in areas that have a lot of drilling. Hourly results are posted on an agency website. The commission also plans to install three additional monitors.

 

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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