Washington, D.C. (August 2, 2013) – Chairman Steve Pearce released the following statement in response to the passing of George Mitchell:
 
“This week we mourned the loss of George Mitchell, the father of modern hydraulic fracturing. Mr. Mitchell was the first to use hydraulic fracturing to break up layers of shale rock in the early 1990s. During that time, very few of America’s oil and gas wells were fracked. Today, more than 90% of wells are fracked thanks to Mr. Mitchell’s important contributions to the industry. He was a visionary and he will be forever remembered for his hard work and ingenuity. His family and friends are in my prayers.”