Sen. Jason Rapert (R), Chair of the Fayetteville Shale Caucus of Legislators, has called for an independent review of Arkansas Oil & Gas Commission Rules and Regulations by STRONGER.
The name, STRONGER, is an acronym for State Review of Oil and Natural Gas Environmental Regulations. STRONGER was formed in 1999 to reinvigorate and carry forward the state review process begun cooperatively in 1988 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission (IOGCC).
"After spending the past several months researching the Fayetteville Shale Play development in Arkansas, listening to constituents, hearing testimony from environmental, regulatory and industry experts and conferencing with leaders from other states developing natural gas, I believe it is time for a review of AOGC rules and regulations governing Hydraulic Fracturing in the natural gas industry in Arkansas. STRONGER has the history and integrity to bring together regulators, environmental leaders, industry leaders and the public in general. It is important that we cultivate public trust and I believe having a review of our regulations in Arkansas is appropriate at this time," stated Rapert.
STRONGER is a non-profit, multi-stakeholder organization whose purpose is to assist states in documenting the environmental regulations associated with the exploration, development and production of crude oil and natural gas. Sen. Rapert said, "I have consulted with experts in this arena and believe that STRONGER will have the support of all stakeholders in Arkansas. It is fair and balanced."
Sen. Rapert sent a letter to Larry Bengal, Director of the Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission this afternoon, asking to present his request to AOGC at their August 23rd meeting, and also informed ADEQ and Governor Mike Beebe's office of his request.
Source: KATV
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