What States Rights

<a href="http://www.billingsgazette.com/index.php?id=1&display=rednews/2005/12/26/build/state/25-methane.inc">Feds pressure state on methane water rules</a><br />n<br />n<blockquote>The Department of Energy hasn't officially weighed in on the issue, but the agency is preparing an analysis of Montana's proposed rules.<br />n<br />nDrilling for coalbed methane involves the release of volumes of groundwater to ease the pressure holding the natural gas in coal seams. The disposal of that water is a huge concern for a number of ranchers and conservationists, who argue that the water can be salty or of poor quality and harmful to crops.<br />n<br />nDavid Alleman, with the DOE's National Energy Technology Laboratory, said they are working under the assumption the rules could impact both Montana and Wyoming gas production.<br />n<br />nOne of the goals of the agency is to ensure an abundant energy supply for the country. The proposed coalbed methane rule in Montana could get in the way, he said.<br />n<br />nThe rule could require coalbed methane operators in Wyoming to change the way they release waste water into rivers and streams that flow into Montana. That could curtail gas production, Alleman said. </blockquote><br />n<br />n[sarcasm]Damn the environment, full speed ahead[/sarcasm]. Also, isn't there an issue of states rights here? If Montana wants to set water quality conditions on it's rivers aren't they able to as long as they meet the Federal guidelines? That's the way I thought it was. A states rules could be stricter than the Feds but at the worst needed to meet the Feds requirements.<br />n<br />nI don't have time to look all these things up but haven't they shown that the water from these wells can be filtered to make it meet the limits? I remember reading it somewhere and with all the money gas is worth it must be economically feasible to do this and them there wouldn't be a problem, at least about the pollution. Stealing all the groundwater involved in CBM is a different issue that bothers me that I won't get into here. I would just like to know why the Feds are sticking their nose in it.<br />n<br />n<b>We make a ladder for ourselves of our vices, if we trample those same vices underfoot. Saint Aurelius Augustine</b>