Md. Official Testifies On Natural Gas Drilling
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Maryland's environmental secretary is calling again for the federal government to take a more active role in studying and regulating natural gas drilling.
Secretary of the Environment Robert Summers testified Wednesday before the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology. Last month, Summers testified before a Senate Committee.
Summers says states should be able to impose tougher requirements, but the federal government should set basic protections. He says that's important for natural gas drilling because states don't have jurisdiction over neighboring states where drilling can affect their water quality.
A technique known as hydraulic fracturing is increasingly being used in the Marcellus Shale formation under parts of western Maryland. The technique involves pumping chemicals, water and sand underground to break apart rock and free natural gas.
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