Perdue says “fracking” can be done safely in NC

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) – Gov. Beverly Perdue says she believes a
drilling method for natural gas opposed by some citizens and
environmental groups can be performed safely in North Carolina.

Perdue told WRAL-TV on Wednesday that
hydraulic fracturing – or fracking – makes sense if it can be
regulated and fees are in place to ensure inspectors are on the
ground.

The governor made the comments a week after she visited
north-central Pennsylvania to examine the process firsthand and
talk with regulators and local officials.

It’s believed that natural gas that can be extracted from shale
deposits in central North Carolina. Perdue says the challenge will
be to determine the potential supply of gas and whether local
residents will support the drilling.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)