The industry involved in hydraulic fracturing for oil and gas says the practice has been proven safe.
Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Jan Wright will carry out an official investigation on hydraulic fracturing, known as fracking, which involves pouring fluids under pressure into oil or gas reservoirs to crack layers of rock and free trapped hydrocarbons.
But Petroleum Exploration and Production Association chief executive David Robinson says two investigations in recent times have proven fracking is not dangerous.
He says the Taranaki Regional Council has done a major investigation into water quality, and the practice itself, which clearly showed there were no issues.
Mr Robinson says GNS Science has undertaken a study on any relationship with earthquakes and fracking which it found was negative.
He says fracking has been happening here for nearly 20 years and there have been no problems.
The commissioner launched the investigation amid criticism of the practice from environmentalists who say it is damaging and triggers earthquakes and pollution.
The Green Party wants to halt any fracking while the investigation takes place.
