The use of fracking is a tremendously important technology for the recovery of oil and gas, but the advantages and costs of fracking remain controversial. This book examines the issues and social, economic, political, and legal aspects of fracking in the United States. Hydraulic fracturing of oil and gas wells-known commonly as "fracking"-has been in use in the United States for more than half a century. In recent years, however, massive expansion of shale gas fracturing across the nation has put fracking in the public eye. Is fracking a "win win" like its proponents say, or are there significant costs and dangers associated with the use of this energy production technology? This book examines fracking from all angles, addressing the promise of the United States becoming energy independent through the use of the process to tap the massive amounts of natural gas and oil available as well as the host of problems associated with fracking-groundwater contamination and increased seismic activity, just to mention two-that raise questions about the long-term feasibility of the process as a source of natural gas. The first part of the book provides a historical background of the topic; a review of technical information about fracking; and a detailed discussion of the social, economic, political, legal, and other aspects of the current fracking controversy. The second part of the book provides a host of resources for readers seeking to learn even more in-depth information about the topic, supplying a chronology, glossary, annotated bibliography, and profiles of important individuals and organizations. Written specifically for students and young adults, the content is accessible to readers with little or no previous knowledge regarding fracking.

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Preface 1 Background and History The Genesis of Fossil Fuels Oil and Gas Resources Terminology Exploring for Oil and Gas Drilling Technology Petroleum Chemistry A Brief History of Petroleum Exploration The Petroleum Century The Natural Gas Century Hydraulic Fracturing The History of Hydraulic Fracturing Horizontal Drilling Conclusion References 2 Problems, Controversies, and Solutions Peak Oil and Gas: Still a Looming Threat or Only a Distant Fantasy? The Global State of Affairs Energy Independence for the United States Benefits of Fracking Direct Economic Benefits Indirect Economic Benefits Environmental Benefits Opposition to Fracking Problems Associated with Hydraulic Fracturing Water Use Water Contamination Air Pollution Earthquakes Aesthetic and Related Disturbances Laws and Regulations Conclusion References 3 Perspectives Introduction Separating Fact from Hype: Trudy E. Bell Why Fracking Is Beneficial: Bruce Everett The Urgent Need for Global Definition of Terms in the Reporting on Fracking and Seismic Activity: Gina Hagler Fracking and the Future of Fresh Water: Michael Pastorkovich Fracking by the Numbers: John Rumpler Exploring Alternative Uses for Fracking Water: Lana Straub Fracking Like It's Your Job: Why Worker Safety in the Fracking Industry Is So Important: Laura Walter Feeding the Fracking Workforce: How Worker Nutrition Supports Health, Safety and Productivity: Christopher Wanjek Food as Protection What Workers Need, and What Workers Get Return on Investment References 4 Profiles Introduction American Gas Association American Petroleum Institute America's Natural Gas Alliance Chesapeake Climate Action Network Consumer Energy Alliance H. John Eastman (1905-1985) Terry Engelder Environment America Food & Water Watch Ground Water Protection Council Erle P. Halliburton (1892-1957) William Hart (1797-1865) Independent Petroleum Association of America Anthony R. Ingraffea (1947-) International Energy Agency Interstate Natural Gas Association of America Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission E.?W. Marland (1874-1941) Aubrey McClendon (1959-) George Mitchell (1919-2013) The National Association of Royalty Owners No Fracked Gas in Mass Edward A.?L. Roberts (1829-1881) The Endocrine Disruption Exchange Tom L. Ward (1959-) Waterkeeper Alliance 5 Data and Documents Introduction Data Table 5.1 Chemicals Present in 652 Different Products Used by Hydraulic Fracturing Companies Table 5.2 Discovered but Unproved Technically Recoverable Shale Gas and Oil Resources in the United States: Shale Oil Resources Table 5.3 Estimated Number of Fracking Wells in the United States Table 5.4 Water Used for Fracking Table 5.5 Estimated Air Pollution Produced from Early Stages of Fracking (Drilling and Well Completion) in 2012 (tons) Table 5.6 Estimated Risked Shale Gas and Shale Oil Resources In-Place and Technically Recoverable in 41 Countries as Assessed in 2013 Table 5.7 U.S. Crude Oil and Natural Gas Proved Reserves Documents Crude Oil Windfall Profit Tax Act of 1980 Hydraulic Fracturing Exclusions Safe Drinking Water Act, Public Law 113-103, Section 300h(d)(1) Clean Water Act, Public Law 95-217, Sections 1326, 1342 Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), Public Law 94-580, 6921(b) Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA; also known as the Superfund Act), Public Law 96-510, 9601 Legal Environmental Assistance Foundation vs. U.S. EPA, 118 F.3d 1467 (1997) Evaluation of Impacts to Underground Sources of Drinking Water by Hydraulic Fracturing of Coalbed Methane Reservoirs Study (2004) ES-8 Did EPA Find Any Cases of Contaminated Drinking Water Wells Caused by Hydraulic Fracturing in CBM Wells? Testimony Submitted to the House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Washington, DC, June 18, 2009, Prepared by the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission on Behalf of the Nation's Oil and Gas Producing States Study of the Potential Impacts of Hydraulic Fracturing on Drinking Water Resources-Progress Report (2012) Act 13, State of Pennsylvania (2012) Robinson Township, et al. vs. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, (J-127A-D-2012) (2013) Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals Act S.1135, 113th Congress, 1st Session (2013) Powder River Basin Resource Council, Wyoming Outdoor Council, Earthworks, and Center for Effective Government (Formerly OMB Watch) vs. Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission and Halliburton Energy Services, Inc., 2014 WY 37 (2014) Norse Energy Crop. vs. Town of Dryden, et al. (2014) Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on the Exploration and Production of Hydrocarbons (Such as Shale Gas) Using High Volume Hydraulic Fracturing in the EU (2014) 6 Resources for Further Research Introduction Books Articles Reports Internet 7 Chronology Glossary Index About the Author