The EPA recently reversed the initial findings of its “Study of Hydraulic Fracturing for Oil and Gas and Its Potential Impact on Drinking Water Resources,” by now declaring that they could not conclude that fracking is not harmful to drinking water supplies.

In a recent interview, Dougal tells Natural Gas Week that despite this reversal, the fracking debate within the federal government is not likely to reignite. This is based on the fact that the report presented little hard evidence that fracking is dangerous to groundwater sources. Instead, the revised report identifies ways that fracking could damage groundwater sources, citing prior incidents where faulty drilling wells and poor wastewater management affected drinking water.

Dougal highlights the fact that President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet will be comprised of energy industry supporters, signaled by the recent nomination of Rick Perry for Secretary of Energy.

Further, Dougal predicts that responsibility for monitoring fracking issues will be taken on by state and local governments, as well as by the industry itself.

About Leonard Dougal

Leonard Dougal is a partner and leader of Jackson Walker’s Environmental practice. He represents a diverse group of clients in complex permitting and water matters, including energy companies involved in shale development, power generation companies, real estate developers and special utility districts. Leonard is also active in water quality issues where he represents mining and energy companies, developers and agricultural operators in Clean Water Act permit and compliance matters. Since 2014, Leonard has been included in the prestigious Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business – Environment guide, and has been recognized as a Best Lawyer in America for Environmental Law, Litigation – Environmental and Water Law for 2016 and 2017.