"Some of EPA's emissions data remains grossly flawed, leading EPA and anti-fossil fuel advocates to draw conclusions with no factual bearing," said Vitter. "Before EPA attempts to justify unnecessary regulation of hydraulic fracturing, the Agency needs to ensure that its decision-making process is based on sound science and credible data."

"The emissions revision is a welcomed development but it is further proof that EPA is bent on twisting rules and data to over-regulate the oil and gas industry without sufficient justification," said Inhofe. "States have been effectively regulating hydraulic fracturing for decades, despite EPA's attempts to demonize the industry. I urge EPA to ensure its rules and regulations are based on transparent, credible data so that it does not continue to place an unnecessary burden on job-creating industries."

EPA's newly revised emissions estimates are 20% lower than previous estimates, during the same time natural gas production has increased by nearly 40%, showing how states and the natural gas industry are ensuring responsible development of domestic resources. The announcement comes ahead of yet another delay of a controversial study on the potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water resources that has drawn criticism due to its design, biased pool of case studies, and overly broad scope.

-30-