States largest paper calls efforts an “indefensible…power grab”

The Oklahoman, the state’s largest newspaper, took direct aim at Rep. Dianna DeGette’s anti-hydraulic fracturing legislation in an editorial today.

Titled “Power play: Fracturing plan wrong, indefensible,” the paper calls the renewed efforts by DeGette and other lawmakers to erect new and potentially insurmountable obstacles to the responsible development of clean-burning American natural gas “a solution in search of a problem.”

Like a host of other papers, The Oklahoman rightly points out that the true objective of the DeGette-Casey bill attacking hydraulic fracturing – contrary to how it’s been characterized by its authors – is to initiate an unprecedented EPA power grab over local oil and gas activities currently regulated (quite well) in the states. The paper writes: “The latest power grab is an attempt to switch regulation of hydraulic fracturing from the states to the Environmental Protection Agency.”

But thankfully, there are federal lawmakers who understand the facts and appreciate the critical role that hydraulic fracturing plays in delivering America’s energy future. The Oklahoman cites Rep. Dan Boren (D-OK), a member of the House Natural Resources Committee, who has said DeGette’s bill would be “disastrous for the industry.”

The paper closes with this:

“Fracturing has been around for 50 years. Boren said the evidence from using the technique thousands of times for half a century doesn’t indicate a problem with drinking water contamination. Legislation has been introduced in Congress to require companies to disclose the chemicals used in the process and allow the EPA to ensure compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act. This is a solution in search of a problem.”

As gas prices continue to rise, up for the 48^th consecutive day, it’s difficult to understand why some in Congress are working to inhibit, impede and in some cases prohibit responsible, homegrown energy production – even as it continues to be among the most direct and effective ways to reduce our dependence on foreign nations, drive down costs for consumers and create millions of new jobs in the process.