Shale Energy Law Blog

Companies pursue alternative fracturing formulations

The Associated Press reports on continued efforts by the oil and gas industry to develop alternative formulations of fluids used to hydraulically fracture wells that include non-toxic and food-grade substances.  In particular, the AP’s report spotlights a new fracturing fluid known as CleanStim that is produced by Halliburton Inc. and is made with ingredients sourced from the food industry. According to Halliburton’s website, “acquiring the ingredients from the food industry provides an extra margin of safety to people, animals and the environment in the unlikely occurrence of an incident at the wellsite.”