Federal legislation that could lead to the cleanup and use of water produced from coal-bed methane and other drilling is moving ahead...The legislation could lead to better use of waster produced from oil, gas and methane drilling...U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar, D-CO introduced the "More Water, More Energy, Less Waste Act of 2007," a bipartisan bill that would evaluate the feasibility of recovering and cleaning contaminated groundwater when it is brought to the surface during drilling. The water could then be used for irrigation and other purposes, while protecting and conserving water quality and natural surroundings...Every day, 2 million gallons of produced water are wasted in this nation, unfit for any use. Recovering that water could help lift a huge burden off the backs of farmers, ranchers, communities and recreation users.

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