This Is What Fracking Really Looks Like

Industries are always working to capture their regulators regardless of administrations. The massive push for deregulation since Reagan has certainly helped destroy it though.

The other side of the problem is the explosion in global energy demand (and hence prices).

Perhaps you should give these people the benefit of the doubt before attacking them? "Methane existed before" is very simplistic. Has the amount increased? Has the affected area increased? Is there a change in prevalent isotopes that might give a clue as to the origin of the methane? Is the change enough to put the level over EPA standards?

There isn't really any question that some people have seen an increase in methane in their water supply (unless you believe these people have been living without usable water for decades but only cared to do anything about it once fracking came to town). Working out why is more difficult.

Here is one study (insert usual disclaimer about relying too much on a single paper) http://www.pnas.org/content/108/20/8172.long

Our results show evidence for methane contamination of shallow drinking-water systems in at least three areas of the region and suggest important environmental risks accompanying shale-gas exploration worldwide.

Can you expand on that point or is that all you have to say?