Anadarko Petroleum Corporation (APC), EnCana Corporation (USA) (ECA), Pioneer Natural Resources (PXD): Leading Fracking Companies Secure Their Futures

So, then, fracking is fine, right?
None of this means that fracking just got a pass. Indeed, it’s important to consider that the companies that participated in this study are a self-selecting group, and chose to opt in because they are aware of the risks, and are interested in mitigating them. It’s highly likely that the general fracking landscape is far grimmer. But, that’s something I can sink my teeth into as an investor. The companies that are engaged in this effort are essentially future-proofing themselves. They know that methane emissions are bad for business, and they are working to get leaks under control before regulators force them to do so.

An Anadarko Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:APC) spokesman said that the company now uses emissions control technology for all of its U.S. onshore well completions. Southwestern Energy Company (NYSE:SWN) put out a press release affirming its strong support for methane capture technology along the entire natural gas supply chain, and expressing enthusiasm for the next phase of the research. A spokesman for Pioneer Natural Resources (NYSE:PXD) expressed surprise at the finding that a lot of methane leaks from fracking operations that separate natural gas from oil and water as they bubble up from the well together, describing this as an area of focus for the company going forward .

Foolish bottom line
Fracking has come under a lot of fire over the course of the shale gas boom. While natural gas has rewarded investors handsomely, those gains are under constant threat as long as fracking continues to pose a risk — whether real or perceived — to human health and the environment. The companies involved in this study are demonstrating leadership by working to contain one such threat. In so doing, they are protecting their assets and securing the viability of their future revenue streams. That ought to make shareholders very happy.

The article Leading Fracking Companies Secure Their Futures originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Sara Murphy.

Sara Murphy has no position in any stocks mentioned. Follow her on Twitter @SMurphSmiles. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

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