http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/22/fracking-chemicals-loophole_n_6030914.html?utm_hp_ref=green
Dick Cheney (former Halliburton CEO) , wrote the exception with his Halliburton buddies.
When it comes to environmental pollutants, sometimes what's legal is what's most worrying. That's the conclusion of a new report on a major loophole in the regulations governing hydraulic fracturing.
The
report, released Wednesday by the Environmental Integrity Project,
looks at what is known as the "Halliburton loophole" -- an exemption
from existing rules that allows companies to inject some petroleum-based
chemicals into the ground without obtaining a permit.
"The scandal in this case is not illegal conduct. It's what the law
actually allows you to do," said Eric Schaeffer, executive director of
the Environmental Integrity Project, in a call with reporters Wednesday.
"Ideally, Congress would change the law. The law makes no
sense," Schaeffer said. "Benzene-rich alternatives to diesel get a free
pass, and that makes no environmental sense."
He added that while Congress "ought to fix it, I'm not holding my breath." His group has petitioned
the Environmental Protection Agency to require drillers to at least
disclose the use of the chemicals as part of its Toxic Release
Inventory. Right now, only 14 states mandate that companies disclose the chemicals they use through the FracFocus site.
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