EPA to reduce gas drilling pollution

WASHINGTON - The Obama administration is issuing the first-ever standards to control air pollution from gas wells that are drilled using a method called hydraulic fracturing, or fracking.<br /> <br /> But the administration, which has strongly backed natural gas drilling, made significant concessions to the oil and gas industry.<br /> <br /> The regulation is expected to be officially announced later Wednesday.<br /> <br /> Administration officials who briefed The Associated Press in advance of the announcement said drillers would be given an additional two years to comply with the rules. Wells drilled in low-pressure areas which release less air pollution would also be exempt. Hydraulic fracturing has spawned a natural gas-drilling boom, but has raised environmental concerns for its toll on water and air.

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