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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2013 - 2014
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | January 14, 2014 12:25 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Jesse White |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Legislation Requiring the Use of DNA-Based Tracers in Hydraulic Fracturing Fluids |
| In the near future, I will be introducing legislation that would require all natural gas operators conducting unconventional well activities in Pennsylvania to begin utilizing DNA-based tracer technology for the monitoring of potential contamination caused by hydraulic fracturing fluids upon the commercial viability of this rapidly developing technology. “Tracers” are molecular compounds with specifically sequenced strands of artificial DNA that harmlessly identify chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing. Since Pennsylvania has been at the forefront of natural gas exploration in the Marcellus Shale, we should also be at the forefront of finding innovating solutions to increase transparency and accountability of operators while simultaneously reducing their exposure to litigation. According to a recent article, DNA tracers can be used in any well that contains fracking fluid; distance doesn’t factor into their accuracy. The tracer is added to the well before the fracking fluid is mixed. Because each well is distinguishable from the next, if the liquid in a well experiences a chemical change after fracking begins, there is proof that a leak has occurred. Under the legislation that I will be introducing, natural gas operators would be required to add tracers to all hydraulic fracturing fluids used at well sites. Microscopic strands of DNA are already present in nearly all water, food, and air; therefore, these tracers would pose no health or safety concerns to the public. DNA-based tracers have zero reactivity or toxicity, and are non-flammable and non-corrosive, but can withstand extreme conditions. In addition, DNA-based tracers are reasonably inexpensive to manufacture and, therefore, would have very little economic impact on natural gas operators. Utilizing DNA-based tracer technology would minimize the risk of ground water contamination and ensure the proper storage and disposal of hydraulic fracturing fluids. Furthermore, the use of tracers would reduce an operator’s liability in areas where multiple operators are conducting natural gas operations. This legislation should not be interpreted as an attack on Pennsylvania’s natural gas industry, but rather a practical method through which a greater level of accountability would be established, ensuring the further protection of Pennsylvania’s water resources. |