Category Archives: Regulatory issues
Keystone XL and pipeline leaks in the United States
Most everyone has heard about the proposed Keystone XL pipeline at this point. The international pipeline is proposed to deliver Canadian crude oil from northeastern Alberta to markets and refineries in the United States. The pipeline is already partially … Continue reading
Common abbreviations used by the TCEQ
When conducting state agency file research it’s important to know the lingo. Reports and correspondence documents found at the Central Registry are loaded with technical jargon and acronyms. This is a brief guide to the most common acronyms used by the … Continue reading
Love Canal disaster and the origin of CERCLA: Part 1
The Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act – also known as CERCLA or Superfund – has changed the landscape of legal precedent and liability in cases of environmental contamination. It is the driving legislation behind Phase I … Continue reading
EPA releases update on study of hydraulic fracturing
As the use of hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) technologies has increased in the United States, so have concerns about its impacts on human health and the environment. In response, the US Congress has requested the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to … Continue reading
Proposed rule changes for hydraulic fracturing in Texas
Last week, we posted a blog article discussing the hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) process as well as environmental concerns associated with the practice. Although there is no conclusive evidence that the fracturing of shale formations poses hazards to the environment, … Continue reading
Hydraulic fracturing and the chemicals involved
Hydraulic fracturing or “fracking” – a method for extracting natural gas from shale formations deep below ground – is currently a topic of frequent discussion. So what exactly is fracking? This video explains the basics of the process: