“(1) CLEAN ENERGY.—The term ‘clean energy’ means electric energy that is generated—(A) at a facility placed in service after December 31, 1991, using—

(i) renewable energy;(ii) qualified renewable biomass;(iii) natural gas;(iv) hydropower;(v) nuclear power; or(vi) qualified waste-to-energy;”

Sen. Bingaman Introduces Sen. Bingaman Introduces Clean Energy Standard Act of 2012 Clean Energy Standard Act of 2012

1

But Production of Natural Gas from Shale But Production of Natural Gas from Shale Formations Produces Unacceptable Risks Formations Produces Unacceptable Risks

to…to…• Both Underground and Surface Sources of

Drinking Water, and• Acceleration of Climate Change

2

Shale Gas Production Requires 100Shale Gas Production Requires 100’’s of s of Thousands of New WellsThousands of New Wells

3

Here is one of hundreds of failed wells in PA.There is an unacceptable rate-of-failure

to contain hydrocarbon migration

““Since the earliest gas wells, uncontrolled migration Since the earliest gas wells, uncontrolled migration of hydrocarbons to the surface has challenged the oil of hydrocarbons to the surface has challenged the oil

and gas industry.and gas industry.””

Brufatto et al., Oilfield Review, Schlumberger, Autumn, 2003

SCP=Sustained Casing Pressure.Also called sustained annularpressure in one or more of the casing annuli.

4

• About 5% of wells fail soon• More fail with age• Most fail by maturity

PA DEP Compliance Database:PA DEP Compliance Database:121 Violations for Methane Migration in 2011121 Violations for Methane Migration in 2011

5

http://www.depreportingservices.state.pa.us/ReportServer/Pages/ReportViewer.aspx?/Oil_Gas/OG_Compliance

1,454 wells drilled in 2010.90 well failures.

6.2% rate of failure.

1,937 wells drilled in 2011. 121 well failures.

6.2% rate of failure.

Consistent with previous industry data, and not improving.

(Howarth et al. 2012, based on 2011 EPA data for 2009) 6

Natural Gas Systems Now Produce 39% Natural Gas Systems Now Produce 39% of Total U.S. Methane Emissionsof Total U.S. Methane Emissions

Methane contribution to entire greenhouse gas

inventory

7Howarth & Ingraffea, Nature, 15 September 2011

Why Is Controlling Methane (CHWhy Is Controlling Methane (CH44) Emission So Important?) Emission So Important?

8Shindell, et al. Science 335, 183 (2012)