Fracking
Fracking, the popular abbreviation for hydraulic fracturing, is a technique which injects highly-pressurized fluid into a well to split the rock and allow access to natural gas trapped within.
Energy companies, driven in no small part by dwindling reserves of easy-to-access fossil fuels, are increasingly turning to so-called unconventional sources of fossil fuels. Shale gas is one of these; and hydraulic fracturing promises to open up access to what is claimed to be vast to sources of natural gas, and profits. National governments too, driven by a desire for greater energy independence, want access to these reserves of natural gas.
But big questions remain about the environmental safety of fracking: Will fracking cause more earthquakes? Will the chemicals used contaminate drinking water? What will be the impact on small farms? Does natural gas obtained by fracking have similar greenhouse gas emissions to other natural gas?
Energy companies downplay all of these concerns. Politicians focus on energy independence. Environmentalists urge caution. Whatever side you're on, fracking is likely to remain an issue in the forefront of energy policy for some time.
Featured Stories in Fracking
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Increased Use of Natural Gas Will Make Climate Change Worse, Not Better, New Study Predicts
“The large GHG footprint of shale gas undercuts the logic of its use as a bridging fuel over coming decades, if the goal is to reduce global warming.”
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4.0 Earthquake Caused by Fracking in Ohio Was Felt in Toronto
After a series of 11 earthquakes in nine months, a fracking operation near Youngstown has been suspended.
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Farmer Calls on Reddit to Help Him Protect 30,000 Acres of His Homeland from Fracking
A farmer turns to the popular social media site to throw light on plans to lease 30,000 acres of land to fracking companies.
Tag: Fracking - Page 5
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Sitting Colorado Governor Flacks for Fracking in Ad for Oil & Gas Industry
Despite passing some of the strongest laws regulating hydraulic fracturing, the Democratic governor of Colorado John Hickenlooper has taken to directly stumping for the controversial process—while still sitting in office.
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New York Towns Can Ban Fracking Even If State Doesn't, Judge Rules
Local zoning laws prohibiting hydraulic fracturing in New York are legal, despite industry objections.
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Michigan Has Large Shale Gas Reserves, In The Great Lakes Watershed
The Michigan basin has extensive shale gas reserves, yet it is not a political issue for Democrats or Republicans. Why?
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Stopping Liquid Natural Gas Port in Maryland a Blow Against Fracking in the Marcellus Shale, Too
Residents in southern Maryland have long felt like they live in an 'energy sacrifice zone.' They already have a nuclear power plant and now are trying to stop a liquid natural gas port.
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A Quick Take On What Obama's Budget Means For Clean Energy
US Energy Secretary Steven Chu has outlined what the fiscal year 2013 proposed budget has in store for his department. Here are the clean energy higlights.
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What Can Landowners and Communities Do About Fracking?
Fracking is undoubtedly a contentious issue, even more so when your community is at stake. Here's what you can do about it.
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Fracking Could Ruin New York's Organic Food Industry
An organic company in upstate New York is concerned that all 1,600 organic farms in the state could be in jeopardy of losing organic status.
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States Increasingly Concerned Over Fracking Wastewater, But Limited In What They Can Do
Weak regulations mean an extra dose of toxic wastewater for some states, like Ohio.
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Gasland Director Josh Fox Arrested While Trying to Film Congressional Fracking Hearing
Fox and crew, reportedly filming a follow-up to their hit documentary on hydraulic fracturing, were ejected from the public hearing. An ABC News crew was also kicked out.
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How Important Will Fracking Be To Voters During The Next Election? Not Very, If Natural Gas Stays Cheap
Most US voters are ambivalent about fracking, which is an issue in only a handful of states, and the President owns strategy.
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Natural Gas: The Signs They Are A-Changin' In New York
In Broome County, New York it's the Battle of the Signs. "Everyone's got either a 'Friends of Natural Gas' sign or a 'No Fracking' sign on their lawn...And the industry hasn't even gotten to our area yet."
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Energy News Recap: Palm Oil Biodiesel Fails US Biofuel Standard; Vermont's Fracking Ban; More
Plus... New global solar photovoltaic stats (good news); Spain's new feed-in tariff response (not so good news); and India again doubling-down on solar (really impressive).
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There's Much Less Shale Gas Available in US Than Previously Thought
A new estimate of shale gas in the US, released by the Energy Information Agency, sharply revises downward available reserves: 40% lower for the nation and 66% lower for the Marcellus Shale.
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Six Questions About Fracking Only An 'Ecofascist Industry Tool' Would Ask
Plausible questions about fracking impacts that so far have not been publicly addressed
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Increased Use of Natural Gas Will Make Climate Change Worse, Not Better, New Study Predicts
“The large GHG footprint of shale gas undercuts the logic of its use as a bridging fuel over coming decades, if the goal is to reduce global warming.”
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Energy News Recap: Judge Says Vermont Can't Shut Down Nuclear Plant, Wind Turbine Syndrome Debunked, More
Nuclear power phase outs, good and bad news there; Obama backs fracking; and another look into whether or not wind turbines have much affect on human health. Here's what we're reading this morning:
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Bulgaria Bans Fracking - Second Nation In World To Restrict Natural Gas Extraction Technique
Violators of the ban face the Bulgarian equivalent of a $65 million fine—which in the scheme of the fossil fuel industry's cash flow really isn't that much.
