Terry W. Roberson, a Houston oil and gas attorney, authored “Environmental Concerns of Hydraulically Fracturing a Natural Gas Well” published in Volume 32, Page 1, 67 of the Utah Environmental Law Review (2012). The article explores whether the natural gas drilling process of hydraulic fracking in shale gas formations damages the environment.
Houston, TX : Terry W. Roberson, a Texas energy lawyer, announces the release of the article, “Environmental Concerns of Hydraulically Fracturing a Natural Gas Well” published in Volume 32, Page 1, 67 of the Utah Environmental Law Review (2012). The article explores whether the natural gas drilling process of hydraulic fracking in shale gas formations damages the environment. The environmental concerns and the oil and gas industry’s response to such concerns include: groundwater and underground drinking water contamination through migration, casing or cement issues, and surface spills; hydraulic fracking wastewater disposal; human and animal health; air quality and pollution; and disclosure of chemicals in hydraulic fracking fluids.
Natural gas production plays a critical role in the clean energy debate because it increases domestic energy supplies and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Shale gas, in particular, began to catch the public’s attention once natural gas drilling rigs were no longer silhouetted by the prairie, but instead pierced the urban skyline interlaced with homes, businesses, schools, and churches. The recent increased number of natural gas wells in populated areas is causing the public to question whether hydraulic fracking contaminates drinking water and affects human health.
“The oil and gas industry is reducing its greenhouse gas footprint by increasing efficiencies in recycling wastewater and reducing water consumption,” says Mr. Roberson. In the Barnett Shale, Devon Energy Corporation has been using an environmentally friendly technology that recycles hydraulic fracking wastewater since 2005. Today it reuses roughly 80 percent of the original captured water in nearby well sites. Additionally, on May 24, 2012, The International Energy Agency announced that the increase in shale gas production in the U.S. has led to a decline in carbon dioxide emissions as generators are using cost efficient natural gas over coal. The U.S. reduction of 7.7 percent of emissions since 2006, is the largest reduction of all countries or regions. Mr. Roberson states, “Even though natural gas is a clean burning fuel source, the oil and gas industry must continue reducing its environmental footprint by minimizing waste, using nontoxic alternatives, recycling and reusing water and chemicals where possible, and treating wastewater to remove its toxicity in order to ensure viability and future production.”
For a copy of “Environmental Concerns of Hydraulically Fracturing a Natural Gas Well” available on the Utah Environmental Law Review’s website go to http://epubs.utah.edu/index.php/jlrel/article/view/622/451.
Terry W. Roberson has an LL.M. in International and Comparative Law from The George Washington University Law School and J.D. from South Texas College of Law. He has successfully handled oil and gas transactional and litigation matters for six years. His transactional experience focuses on representing clients in various title examinations, oil and gas leases, surface and subsurface agreements, seismic licensing, exploration agreements, purchase and sale agreements, and assisting exploration and production and service companies with their risk allocation documents, including master service agreements and insurance provisions. His litigation experience consists of representing exploration and production companies and oilfield service companies relating to disputes regarding breach of contracts, including operating agreements, gas purchase contracts, purchase and sale agreements, and well service agreements. He has also litigated disputes concerning royalty interest, division orders, and commercial and corporate matters.
Mr. Roberson has given two continuing legal education presentations and will publish five articles regarding oil and gas law in 2011 and 2012.
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