Bay Foundation seeks federal fracking analysis

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is calling for a comprehensive federal analysis of Marcellus shale drilling in the six bay watershed states.

The foundation says assessments are under way, but none is comprehensive. And federal law obligates the federal government ensure drilling won't adversely affect human health or the environment.

Foundation officials and other environmental groups plan to discuss their concerns Monday about a drilling technique known as hydraulic fracturing. Hydraulic fracturing uses water and chemicals to break rock formations and free gas in the Marcellus Shale formation beneath western Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New York and Ohio. A 2005 law exempts all hydraulic fracturing chemicals except diesel fuel from federal regulations.

In Maryland, the House of Delegates passed a bill last month that would restrict natural gas drilling until a two-year study is completed.

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