"Just four years ago, shale gas king Aubrey K. McClendon told shareholders of Chesapeake Energy that 'finally, we made some new friends this year.'"

"The chief executive sketched a vision of working hand in hand with 'leading environmental organizations' on issues 'where our interests might be aligned.' He said, 'We believe this collaboration is unique in the industry and will benefit both Chesapeake and these environmental organizations for years to come.'

New friendships grew old, then cold. Environmental groups that once took money from McClendon — or considered doing so — to make a common cause against coal power, have stepped back as they weigh the environmental perils of extracting natural gas from shale, a business in which McClendon’s Chesapeake Energy is a leader. "

Juliet Eilperin and Steven Mufson report for the Washington Post February 19, 2012. [2]