Fracking Helps Boost U.S. Economy Despite the controversy surrounding the environmental effects of fracking, it is clear that an increased supply of natural gas has brought down prices of the commodity, and helped the country on its path towards increased energy independence. Since 2008, the price of natural gas has been cut in half due [...]
Historical Significance of Fracking
Historical Significance of Fracking The $6 trillion global energy industry has undergone a lot of changes over time. Hydraulic fracturing, the method of extracting natural gas from shale rock formations, stands out as one of the single most important innovations throughout history. Fracking was first introduced in 1947; however, wasn’t commercially used until 1999 with [...]
Shale Gas Boosts Job Creation
Shale Gas Boosting Job Creation – According for a new study released by IHS, the development of unconventional oil and natural gas in the United States shows a positive impact on job creation. Researchers suggest regulated production supports more than $1.7 million U.S. jobs, and the number of jobs is expected to increase to 2.5 million [...]
What is Utica Shale Gas?
What is Utica Shale Gas? – Utica Shale gas is a rock layer located beneath Marcellus Shale and is an incredible source of natural gas. Recently, the United State Geological Survey reported, Utica Shale’s natural gas drilling potential is believed to contain 38 trillion cubic feet of undiscovered gas. Although that’s less than the Marcellus [...]
The Hydraulic Fracturing Process
The Hydraulic Fracturing Process Hydraulic fracturing, also known as “fracking,” is used to extract natural gas deep beneath the ground. Since the 1940′s hydraulic fracturing has been a popular method of extracting oil and gas from the ground. Today, hydraulic fracturing is the preferred method of extracting oil and natural gas; in fact, hydraulic fracturing [...]
Fracking Myths
Fracking Myths Some say the fracking debate is over, while others think the debate is just getting started. Those who think the debate is just getting started believe fracking causes earthquakes and contaminates drinking water. Many people believe the states are doing a poor job of regulating the fracking process. However, these arguments are nothing [...]
What are fracking states?
What are fracking states? – The fracking states include Texas, Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Dakota and Louisiana. Texas – Texas is known for its success in finding and leading the crude oil industry. Texas is often referred to as the birth of the modern oil industry. Texas lies on top of three large shale formation, Barnett, [...]
What is Marcellus Shale?
What is Marcellus Shale? – Marcellus shale is a 400 year-old giant rock formation located 4,000 to 8,000 feet beneath the earth’s surface, and estimated to be one of the largest natural gas reserves in the world. The formation stretches across New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, and Maryland. The United State’s Geological Survey (USGS) [...]
Inaccurate claims by anti-fracking activists
Inaccurate claims by anti-fracking activists – According to the Associated Press, claims regarding natural gas drilling and the effect it has on health and air quality are based on inaccurate and misleading science. Researchers confirm that the claims relating fracking to breast cancer rates are “just plain false.” Fracking is slang for hydraulic fracturing, with [...]
Is fracking a threat to drinking water?
Is fracking a threat to drinking water? – The fracking debate started with suspicions regarding fracking and drinking water safety. The answer is unknown; however, there have been no traces of fracking process contaminating fresh water sources when done properly. A new study done by the Department of Energy, may be the first to provide [...]