Lamar Smith: “Today we consider H.R. 2, ``the American Energy Solutions for Lower Costs and More American Jobs Act.'' I thank the…”

“Today we consider H.R. 2, ``the American Energy Solutions for Lower Costs and More American Jobs Act.'' I thank the gentleman from Nebraska, Mr. Terry, for his initiative on this bill. Title III of this bill includes H.R. 2850, ``the Hydraulic Fracturing Study Improvement Act'' that was reported out of the Science Committee last year. The EPA has been conducting a ``Study of the Potential Impact of Hydraulic Fracturing on Drinking Water Resources'' since 2010. Unfortunately, the EPA's track record of sloppy and secret science and rushed conclusions suggest this study will be yet another attempt to justify new regulations to derail our shale gas revolution and the manufacturing renaissance. The Science Committee language in Title III of this bill addresses a fundamental flaw in EPA's hydraulic fracturing study design. Specifically, the current study is focused on a search for possible problems with hydraulic fracturing instead of identifying what is likely or probable. EPA's own Science Advisory Board has repeatedly recommended that the Agency focus on probabilities and uncertainties in its work. The Science Committee provision addresses those concerns, and requires EPA to follow basic, objective scientific processes in carrying out its study. It also requires peer review of any final or interim report before its release. Problems with this study underscore EPA's lack of transparency and serious flaws in its peer review process.…”