Gas drilling presents Obama with historic choices - 21 News Now, More Local News for Youngstown, Ohio -

Gas drilling presents Obama with historic choices

Updated:

PITTSBURGH (AP) - Energy companies, environmental groups, and even Hollywood stars are watching to see what decisions President Barack Obama makes about regulating or promoting natural gas drilling.

Business leaders don't want government regulations to slow the flow of hundreds of billions of dollars of clean, cheap domestic energy.

Environmental groups see that same tide as a potential threat - not just to air and water - but to renewable energy. And on a strategic level, diplomats envision a future when natural gas helps make the U.S. less beholden to imports.

Some say the unexpected drilling boom presents historic options - and risks - for the Obama administration, since any decision is likely to anger key groups.

The Sierra Club says more regulations and research are needed before rushing ahead.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Powered by WorldNow
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Worldnow and WFMJ. All Rights Reserved. For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms