Fracking: President Obama releases federal regulations on controversial oil-gathering technique
Fracking has resulted in increased US energy production, but environmental concerns have arisen
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.President Barack Obama on Friday released the first federal regulations on hydraulic fracturing – known as fracking – the controversial method of drilling for oil and gas that has transformed the US into an energy-producing power.
Fracking is a technique that involves sending a mixture of chemicals underground to fracture the bedrock around oil and gas deposits, making the deposits easier to access. But fracking has raised concerns of contaminated drinking water and wildlife.
“Current federal well-drilling regulations are more than 30 years old, and they simply have not kept pace with the technical complexities of today’s hydraulic fracturing operations,” said the interior secretary, Sally Jewell, according to the New York Times.
The new regulations go into effect in 90 days and require government workers to inspect the cement barriers that line fracking wells to ensure the chemicals are not seeping outside of those barriers. Fracking companies also will be required to disclose to the public the chemicals they use within 30 days of finishing the process.
The government also will ensure companies are safely storing used fracking chemicals.
These regulations only will apply to fracking on public land and will regulate of 100,000 wells, the Times reported. The majority of fracking wells are on private land.
Follow @PaytonGuion on Twitter.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments