Topic Resources

A key initiative of state oil and gas regulatory programs is to protect ground and surface water resources. The IOGCC gathers critical data through surveys, which serves to substantiate and support the efficacy and safety of hydraulic fracturing. That information is then used to populate fact sheets, to help verify the safety of this process and other oil and natural gas-related activities.

Fact Sheets

Just the Facts: A Chronological Look at Hydraulic Fracturing (2009)

Developed by the IOGCC, this easy-to-understand fact sheet provides a brief overview of the history surrounding the legislation

EPA Hydraulic Fracturing Fact Sheet (2004)

EPA completed its study of the possible impacts of hydraulic fracturing on underground sources of drinking water (USDWs) in 2004.

White Papers

Technology-based oil and natural gas shale plays: Shale Shock! Could there be billions in the Bakken Shale? (2006)

Energy Information Administration, Office of Oil and Gas, Reserves and Production Division, November 2006. This report presents information about the Bakken Formation of the Williston Basin

API HF1, Hydraulic Fracturing Operations -- Well Construction and Integrity Guideline (2009)

This guidance document, developed by the American Petroleum Institute, outlines current best-industry practices for the proper drilling and cementing of wells that are being hydraulically fractured.

Subsurface Trespassing after Coastal vs. Garza (2009)

University of Oklahoma College of Law, 2009. Anderson, Owen. May 5, 2005, the Corpus Christi Court of Appeals held, inter alia, that hydraulic fracturing ("fracing") across property lines constitues actionable trespass. Although this holding was not unexpected, it nevertheless sent shockwaves through the oil and gas industry.

Presentations

U.S. Chamber Hydraulic Fracturing Briefing: A State Perspective

May 21, 2010, U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Oklahoma Secretary of Energy, Robert Wegener presents the state perpective on hydraulic fracturing to the U.S.

Potential Relationships Between Hydraulic Fracturing and Drinking Water Resources

IOGCC Midyear Issues Summit, May 2010, Lexington, KY. Robert W. Puls, Ph.D. Technical Lead, EPA Hydraulic Fracturing Study U.S. EPA Office of Research and Development discusses the Initial Approach to Study Design and Stakeholder Involvement.

STRONGER Hydraulic Fracturing Guidelines

IOGCC Midyear Issues Summit, May 2010, Lexington, KY. Lori Wrotenbery, Director, Oil & Gas Conservation, Oklahoma Corporation Commission.