Virginia’s Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy (“DMME”) issued a notice that it plans to amend its Oil and Gas Regulations (4VAC25-150) to ensure that these regulations reflect current industry best practices and to expand the disclosure of chemical ingredients used in oil and gas operations, including hydraulic fracturing. The deadline for public comments is February 12, 2014. The DMME plans to hold a public hearing on the proposed action after publication in the Virginia Register.
The Virginia Oil and Gas Association has petitioned the DMME to amend the Oil and Gas Regulations to require oil and gas companies to participate in Frac Focus to ensure that all chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing are fully disclosed and available to the public. “This initiative is intended to alleviate public concern that they are not aware of chemicals utilized in the fracing process. Even though this industry has been safely utilizing the fracing process for over 50 years, the Association wants to be totally transparent.” The deadline for public comments is February 26, 2014.
This post was written by Barclay Nicholson (barclay.nicholson@nortonrosefulbright.com or 713.651.3662) from Norton Rose Fulbright's Energy Practice Group.
