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Technological advancements and the integration of horizontal wells with hydraulic fracturing practices have enabled the rapid development of shale gas resources in the United States– at present the only country globally with significant commercial shale gas extraction. In 2012, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued Final Oil and Natural Gas Air Pollution Standardsincluding for natural gas wells that are hydraulically fractured as well as Draft Permitting Guidance for Oil and Gas Hydraulic Fracturing Activities Using Diesel Fuels. The EPA is also developing standards for waste water discharges and is updating chloride water quality criteria, with a draft document expected in 2012. In addition, it is implementing an Energy Extraction Enforcement Initiative, and is involved in voluntary partnerships, such as the Natural Gas STAR program. The US Department of the Interior proposed in April 2012 a rule to require companies to publicly disclose the chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing operations, to make sure that wells used in fracturing operations meet appropriate construction standards, and to ensure that operators put in place appropriate plans for managing flowback waters from fracturing operations).
Reference : Support to the identification of potential risks for the environment and human health arising from hydrocarbons operations involving hydraulic fracturing in Europe. Report for the European Commission. Ref: AEA/ED57281/Issue Number 17 iv European Commission DG Environment Dr Mark Broomfield AEA Technology plc Gemini Building, Harwell, Didcot, OX11 0QR t: 0870 190 6389mark.broomfield@aeat.co.uk. 
(*) the content of these “highlights” has been peer reviewed by AEA (English version). The stucture of the content does not correspond to the one of the original summary of the original study as the purpose of GreenFacts is to “highlight” in its “news” section the main elements of the reports .
