Hydraulic fracturing is used to enhance the recovery of natural gas. Increasing the supply of domestic natural gas lowers energy prices, creates jobs, and generally helps the overall health of the economy. However, hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, has come under a great deal of criticism due to concerns about potential contamination of underground sources of drinking water (USDW).

In very simple terms, hydraulic fracturing involving pumping specially engineered fluids containing chemicals into a well to create and hold open fractures in the formation. These fractures increase the exposed surface area of the rock in the formation and, in turn, stimulate the flow of natural gas.

EPA does not yet regulate hydraulic fracturing. It has, however, conducted one study and is embarking on a second that could form the basis of national regulations. Continue reading “Hydraulic Fracturing Studied by EPA” →