Fracking is hydraulic fracturing, a process which has become quite popular in the past few years. Fracking is done by injecting water, chemicals and sand into the ground with shale in order to obtain oil and natural gas. As the use of fracking has grown as has the concerns surrounding the process. There are concerns regarding contributions to global warming, groundwater contamination and earthquakes.
When it comes to global warming, a recent study in the journal Climatic Change determined that fracking released considerably more methane than typical gas extraction techniques. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, twenty times more warming than carbon dioxide. The scientists found that a third or more methane is released in fracking than in typical gas extraction.
Environmental groups in the United States, along with residents in many cities and towns, have grown concerned regarding potential groundwater contamination. The state of Pennsylvania has been especially at the forefront when it comes to fracking polluting drinking water. Public backlash when it comes to groundwater pollution has caused some states to avoid fracking altogether.
In addition to the above concerns, studies relating earthquakes to the fracking process have alarmed residents of numerous countries and have led to bans on the process. The United States has confirmed earthquakes triggered by fracking in at least two states recently, Oklahoma and Ohio. Whether fracking can cause strong, disastrous earthquakes is not yet known. However, countries such as France and Bulgaria are not taking the chance.
After considerable pressure was put on the government of France in 2011 by environmental groups, the country decided to ban fracking in the country. Now amidst considerable pressure from environmentalists and protestors, Bulgaria has banned fracking as well. Concerns have been raised regarding potential water pollution and earthquakes triggered by the process in the country.
The company Chevron had been given a permit for exploratory drilling of shale gas in the country, however, this has been revoked. The ban includes a fine for any violation of the ban, a fine of $66 million.
In addition to France and Bulgaria, Poland is also exploring the use of fracking. Poland recently gave ExxonMobil permission for exploratory shall drilling in the country. However, this too has met with protests. The United Kingdom is also facing protests against the fracking process after a study found earthquakes in the country were linked to fracking. It is not yet known if Poland or the UK will also follow France and Bulgaria’s path.
