Halliburton studying frack chemical disclosure

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The oil and gas industry supplier Halliburton isn’t committing to disclose the chemicals in hydraulic fracturing fluid, after a major competitor made a surprise announcement to do so.

Houston-based Halliburton says in a Friday statement that it’s studying the move by Baker Hughes, another major supplier.

Halliburton says they “have an interest in protecting our intellectual property and the substantial investment it represents” and will examine the new Baker Hughes format for its ability to protect such investments.

Baker Hughes, also of Houston, says that over the next few months it will disclose all chemicals in frack fluid, with no exemptions for trade secrets. The fluid is used in the drilling process.

Environmental groups and regulators say a loophole that allows companies to hide trade secrets is a problem.