Is Fracking Safe? Debate on Controversial Natural Gas Drilling Technique (Democracy Now!)

Democracy Now! / January 2013

This heated debate looks at the benefits and negative impacts of hydraulic fracturing known as “fracking”.

What is fracking? See infographic for the basics

“Fracking” involves pumping huge amounts of water, chemicals and sand several miles underground at high pressure which is followed by vertical and horizontal drilling. This forces the shale gas to be released. The procedure is being used in many parts of the United States and is generating controversy.

Should this new way of extracting gas be scaled up? It is providing the United States with energy security but there are claims it has damaging health impacts.

Matt Ryan (Binghamton Mayor, New York) opposes fracking because he says it pollutes drinking water. He argues there should be more investigation into health impacts before continuing. He also argues the threat of global warming requires a shift away from fossil fuels towards a sustainable economy based on renewable energies.

Kate Hudson (Watershed Program director at Riverkeeper) points out the main negative impacts of fracking are felt above ground and argues there is sufficient scientific evidence showing how dangerous the process is. She cites the case in Pennsylvania where drinking water is contaminated with methane.  She argues companies should be forced to disclose the chemicals being used in fracking.

Phelim McAleer (director of documentary “FrackNation”) says there is no conclusive scientific evidence of fracking polluting water and that it’s not enough to base decisions on the views of a few communities.

Daniel Simmons (Director of State of Regulatory Affairs at the Institute for Energy Research) argues there is no scientific basis to claim fracking contaminates water. He says air quality is the best it has ever been in the United States. He supports fracking because he says it keeps energy prices down and there is less energy poverty.

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This summary was prepared by Why Green Economy?. The views expressed have been paraphrased. See the original source for more information.