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08/25/2012 02:48 PM

Bloomberg Endorses Regulated Fracking In Letter

By: NY1 News

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Until now, Mayor Bloomberg has opposed the controversial gas drilling technique known as hydrofracking.

But now, the mayor is endorsing it as long as it's done responsibly.

The mayor and fracking pioneer George Mitchell co-wrote a letter to the Washington Post that was published Thursday.

In it, Bloomberg said fracking reduces energy costs and dependence on coal and also helps bring jobs back to the U.S.

But he and Mitchell also stressed the need for regulations.

They said companies that perform the fracking must disclose all the chemicals used in the process, and take steps to protect groundwater. They also want rules for well construction and operation.