Blog Phase 5

Article 1
The Associated Press.(2013,March,20).Both Sides Agree on Tough New Fracking Standards. 
Penn Live
            3/23/13
This article was talking about what is currently going on with the policies that surround fracking in the Marcellus Shale natural gas deposits currently. It basically is stating that there has been some progress for both sides of the issue. Those who are for fracking and those who oppose it, but not all who oppose it. As of right now it looks like big oil and gas companies like Shell and Chevron have been able to come to some type of agreement with environmentalists about the current policies placed on fracking and making improvements on them. They have sat down together and come up with some policies that are stricter than the current federal regulations placed on this type of technology. As of right now companies are encouraged to submit to a independent review of their practices. The goal of this is to get the different companies to agree to adhere to these policies and make them common practice in order to protect the environment while at the same time not slowing down progress.

One of the main things that stood out to me in this article is that the two sides are trying to work together and compromise in order to help both sides achieve their goal. It surprised me because it seems like these two sides were destined to always oppose the other and never really make any progress towards a solution that makes both sides happy. Some of the further questions I had after reading this article that are worth investigating have to deal with exactly how much stricter are these policies compared to the ones in place now and how fast do they think they can get them in place.

Article 2
Zak Zatezalo.(2013,March,29). Their View: Plenty of Hype for New Fracking Standards, but Where's the Teeth?. The West Virginia Record
            3/29/13
This article disagreed with my first source. He basically pointed out that the information he has found on these new standards aren't even close to being as comprehensive as standards that have been in place in Texas and Louisiana for decades. He asks who is going to enforce them. Furthermore if these are a lists of voluntary standards that a company trying to make money has to abide by than how will they be effective. I can see where he is coming from and think that he is making a good point. Saying progress is being made towards a more environmentally conscious type of drilling plan with no way to enforce it and or make people follow it may not even be progress at all. This is something that I will be following to see what ends up happening with it.