The Houston Chronicle reported Thursday, March 25 that BP, ConocoPhillips and Shell Oil Company sent to  certain Senators a paper titled “Sense of the Senate Language”.  The paper advocated  that the states adopt standards for disclosure regarding the chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing of subsurface formations.  The New York Times picked up the story, and commentators noticed too.  If the paper’s interpretation of the “sense of the Senate” is accepted or even adopted by further Senate action, the EPA may not have authority to engage in rulemaking or to regulate at least some aspects of hydraulic fracturing.  There were indications that some senators, or committees, requested the comments by the oil companies.  If true, this signals a greater receptiveness  to the views of industry by the senate, as compared to the recent experience with climate change hearings and proposed legislation.  Climate change legislation could contain the proposal put forth by the three companies.  Hydraulic fracturing might be one of the areas of greatest activity and importance as the climate change debate continues.