The News & Observer of Raleigh reported assistant state geologist Kenneth Taylor says estimates of a 40-year supply of natural gas are unlikely to be accurate.

 

State geologists now believe the only safe assumption is that the gas is concentrated around Lee, Moore and Chatham counties. Actual amounts won't be known until energy companies sink test wells and measure the gas.

 

Fracking, or hyrdraulic fracturing, is combined with horizontal drilling to uncover natural gas deposits trapped in prehistoric shale rock formations. Gov. Beverly Perdue signed an order this week establishing a task force to develop fracking regulations.