Assuring Energy Extraction Activities Comply with Environmental Laws
Natural gas pump
Problem
As the nation expands its search for new forms and sources of energy, there is an urgent need to assure that we develop energy sources in an environmentally protective manner. EPA recognizes the importance of natural gas as a cleaner burning “bridge fuel” in the search for new forms and sources of energy. However, some techniques for natural gas extraction pose a significant risk to public health and the environment.
Goal
EPA will address incidences of noncompliance from natural gas extraction and production activities that may cause or contribute to significant harm to public health and/or the environment.
Fast Fact:
According the U.S. Department of Energy, it is projected that shale gas will make up more than 20 percent of the total U.S. gas supply by 2020.
Enforcement Cases
- November 2011 - Southern Ute Reservation
Progress on Enforcement and Compliance Activities
The following maps and charts show EPA's progress in addressing incidences of noncompliance from natural gas extraction and production activities.
Learn More
- EPA's Natural Gas Star program
- Natural Gas Extraction/Marcellus Shale: Key Documents About Mid-Atlantic Oil and Gas Extraction