Senate and House of Representative conferees have approved a $32.24 billion Interior and Environment Appropriations Bill for fiscal year 2010, including monies for U.S. EPA to conduct a second study of hydraulic fracturing:
Hydraulic Fracturing Study .--The conferees urge the Agency to carry out a study on the relationship between hydraulic fracturing and drinking water, using a credible approach that relies on the best available science, as well as independent sources of information. The conferees expect the study to be conducted through a transparent, peer-reviewed process that will ensure the validity and accuracy of the data. The Agency shall consult with other Federal agencies as well as appropriate State and interstate regulatory agencies in carrying out the study, which should be prepared in accordance with the Agency's quality assurance principles.
For more, including a copy of the text of the bill, see here.
[Update: The American Petroleum Institute (API) has published a new guidance document on best-industry practices for drilling and cementing wells that may be hydraulically fractured. A copy can be found here.]