In a state world-famous as a gold producer, Houston-based Noble Energy Inc. is looking deep underground to make big bucks from previously untappable oil deposits, spending up to $130 million to identify the possible rewards. The venture is still in its early stages, with company representatives saying they have yet to assess the true potential, but word is out it could be significant.
So is concern by critics. After Noble Energy for the first time in Nevada's history employed the practice of hydraulic fracturing at an exploration well east of Elko in March, environmentalists, tribal members and other critics cite concern over threats to precious water supplies, impacts to a sensitive landscape and the potential that earthquakes could be triggered in one of the country's most seismically active states.
Some insist state officials currently crafting new regulations to guide activities are overly influenced by the very industry they're tasked with regulating.And so it goes. Same ol', same ol'.
A big "thanks" to the reader for sending me this link.
