Baker Hughes Starts 'No Secrets' Fracking Disclosure

"Starting [Wednesday], Baker Hughes Inc., a major provider of hydraulic fracturing services, says it will disclose all the chemicals it uses in fracking fluid and will no longer withhold ingredients as trade secrets.

The company quietly rolled out its new policy in April but formally announced it today with a news release on the policy's first day of implementation (EnergyWire, April 24).

'Introducing greater transparency about the chemicals used in the hydraulic fracturing process and protecting the ability to innovate are not conflicting goals,' Derek Mathieson, Baker Hughes' chief strategy officer, said in the release. 'The policy we are implementing today is consistent with our belief that we are partners in solving industry challenges, and that we have a responsibility to provide the public with the information they want and deserve. It simultaneously enables us to protect proprietary information that is critical to our growth.'"

Mike Soraghan reports for EnergyWire October 1, 2014.