While Energy In Depth continues to take our message of responsible, well-regulated, and environmentally-sound energy production directly to policymakers, many elected officials, at both the state and federal level, continue to speak out on the critical issue of hydraulic fracturing, too.

Congressman Dan Boren (D-OK) was asked yesterday about anti-hydraulic fracturing legislation coauthored by Congresswoman Dianna DeGette (D-CO) and Senator Bob Casey (D-PA). Boren, who serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and represents Oklahoma’s energy-rich eastern border, was unequivocal in his response, which was reported by The Oklahoman and The Tulsa World.

• “In response to a question, Boren said he is working with Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Colo., to tone down her bill to regulate hydraulic fracturing of oil- and gas-bearing formations. The legislation was introduced to protect water supplies from contamination, but Boren said the procedure is already safe.“
• “‘If you shut down fracking, you shut down the industry,’ Boren said.”

And in Texas, Railroad Commissioner Elizabeth Ames Jones – who directs the state agency tasked with regulating oil and gas production – took the pages of the Southeast Texas Record to highlight the importance domestic natural gas production will play in advancing America’s energy objectives.

• “Technology developed by visionaries, not inside-the-beltway, so-called experts, has paved the way for responsible production of this clean burning fuel. Drilling for natural gas found in places once deemed unreachable is now common place across the country. In fact, America is so rich in natural gas that with the sound management of the fields that is occurring today, our country could produce almost as much clean energy as we consume … if we wanted to.”