In August, the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) was awarded a 3-year, $6-million grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies for its work to minimize the environmental impacts of natural gas operations through hydraulic fracturing. The funding will support EDF's strategy of securing strong rules and developing industry best practices in the 14 states with 85 percent of the country's unconventional gas reserves. Bloomberg Philanthropies is a recognized leader in global environmental efforts and is headed by Michael R. Bloomberg, philanthropist and Mayor of New York City.The Center has developed Hydraulic Fracturing Evaluation Criteria.
This grant builds on Bloomberg Philanthropies' recent $50 million commitment to the Sierra Club's Beyond Coal Campaign to reduce the number of coal-fired power plants in the U.S. The grant will ensure that EDF has a significant impact on natural gas regulation in the states at the heart of the shale gas boom, where it is critical to get the rules right. Over the next few years, success in those states will determine whether shale gas can be developed as a safe alternative to coal - one that reduces greenhouse gas emissions as well as other air pollution.
EDF will work to ensure stronger state regulation of natural gas operations in five key areas:
- Disclosing all chemicals used in the hydraulic fracturing process, as well as chemicals used in drilling and operating wells, and requiring measurement and reporting of air emissions and the content of waste water;
- Optimizing rules for well construction and operation;
- Minimizing water consumption, protecting groundwater and ensuring proper disposal of wastewater;
- Improving air pollution controls, including capturing fugitive methane, a potent greenhouse gas;
- Reducing impacts to communities and ecosystems.
Contact: Mica Odom, 512-691-3451
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