U.S. Senators David Vitter (R-La.) and John Boozman (R-Ark.) made the following statements regarding news from the completed U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) study that examined the water quality of 127 shallow domestic wells in the Fayetteville Shale natural gas production area of Arkansas and found no groundwater contamination associated with gas production.

"The President and his administration have been trying to cripple hydraulic fracturing for years, even though domestic energy production has been one of the only bright spots in our economy, thanks in large part to the utilization of this technology," Vitter said. "It's certainly encouraging to see this positive result from a study using sound and transparent science to draw conclusions instead of ideology. The EPA's mishaps with fabricating evidence in Texas, Pennsylvania, and Wyoming caused an unnecessary attack on an effective, efficient and safe method of developing domestic energy. Studies like these from the USGS help set the record straight."

"Regulatory policies must be based on science, not fear or propaganda. Whether stopping the Keystone pipeline or spreading fear and falsehoods about gas production, the President and EPA seem intent on driving up the cost of energy for American families," Boozman said. "The proper use of our country's vast natural gas reserves will help protect our environment and strengthen our economy. Natural gas use cuts emissions, reduces our dependence on foreign energy, creates jobs, and lowers energy and food costs, especially for low-income families."

Recently Vitter sent a letter to President Obama highlighting how the United Kingdom is moving toward hydraulic fracturing because it works. Click here to read a copy of the letter.

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