oil

As 'Fracking' Debate Heats Up, Weighing Risks Key to Possible Monterey Shale Boom

Joe Moore — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 18:42:19 +0000

Could California be on the verge of a new gold rush? That’s the finding of a new study from USC about the potential economic impact of oil that lies deep beneath the Central Valley, known as the Monterey Shale. But extracting that oil isn’t easy, and it would require the use of a number of advanced techniques, including hydraulic fracturing. And that’s attracted concerns from environmental groups and state regulators.

Several Bills Would Regulate 'Fracking' in State

Amy Quinton — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 18:33:45 +0000

Ten bills that would regulate hydraulic fracturing or “fracking” for oil are working their way through the California legislature. The proposals range from requiring more scientific study to a moratorium. As Amy Quinton reports from Sacramento, the industry opposes almost all of the bills.

Central Valley Water Board Launches Investigation Over Fracking Wastewater Disposal

Joe Moore — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 01:05:34 +0000

The Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board has launched an investigation into a Kern County oil producer over concerns about how the company disposes of potentially dangerous fracking wastewater.

Vintage Production California allegedly discharged chemical laced wastewater into an unlined retention pond at a well near Shafter, without required permits.

Brown Backs State's Fracking Regulators, Promises Deliberative Process

Ben Adler — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 00:58:57 +0000

California Governor Jerry Brown says he supports the people he’s put in charge of regulating the process of extracting oil and natural gas known as hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking.” He says California’s fossil fuel deposits have “extraordinary” potential.

Some legislative Democrats and environmental groups have raised safety concerns about fracking. Brown told reporters in San Francisco today that he’s confident his administration will handle all safety and regulatory questions as they come up.

Analysis: Big Issues Await Rubio In New Job As Oil Industry Lobbyist

Joe Moore — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 09:21:47 +0000

When former state Senator Michael Rubio begins work in Sacramento Monday as government relations manager for Chevron, he'll arrive to a full slate of issues involving the oil industry.

While state law prohibits ex-elected officials from registering as lobbyists for one year after leaving office, Rubio is expected to sidestep that provision by assuming a management role with the oil giant.

Oil Severance Tax Proposed; Would Fund CA Parks, Higher Ed

Ben Adler — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 01:13:45 +0000

Democratic lawmakers are calling for a new tax on oil removed from the ground in California – with the money going toward state parks and higher education.

Senator Noreen Evans is one of the bill’s co-authors. She says the revenue would fill two of the state’s most critical funding needs. And she says California is the only oil-producing state in the nation without an oil severance tax.

Lawmakers To Hold Hearing on "Fracking" Regulations

Amy Quinton — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 19:51:07 +0000

The controversial drilling technique known as hydraulic fracturing or “fracking” will be the subject of a joint legislative hearing at the California state Capitol today.

As Amy Quinton reports from Sacramento, recently released fracking regulations have some lawmakers concerned.

The Department of Conservation recently released draft regulations for energy companies that inject chemicals into the ground under pressure to release oil.

Environmental Group Sues State Over Fracking Regulation

Joe Moore — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 01:24:02 +0000

A prominent environmental group has filed a lawsuit challenging the State of California’s stance on the regulation of hydraulic fracturing in the production of oil and natural gas.

The Center for Biological Diversity says that the state’s Division of Oil Gas and Geothermal Resources has failed to act on an existing state law that it says allows the regulation of the controversial practice. The lawsuit was filed today in Alameda County Superior Court.

Next In Line For A Fracking Boom, California Looks At The Rules

editor — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 22:53:00 +0000

The controversial drilling technique known as hydraulic fracturing has created an oil and gas boom around the country. In states like Texas, Pennsylvania and Colorado, there's been heated debate about rules that protect groundwater and public health.

California is now wading into that arena with the release of the state's first fracking regulations. The state's earthquake-prone geology, however, could bring particular concerns.

Fracking itself isn't new.

State Releases Draft of Proposed Fracking Regulations

Joe Moore — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 03:52:08 +0000

The State of California's Department of Conservation on Tuesday released a draft proposal for new regulations governing hydraulic fracturing in the oil and gas industry, a practice also known as fracking.

The proposal calls for new well testing and chemical disclosure procedures designed to safeguard the environment and public health, but critics say the rules don't go far enough.