Fracking: A Reference Handbook: Contemporary World Issues David E. Newton ABC-CLIO

Fracking

A Reference Handbook

Fracking

A Reference Handbook

Description

The use of fracking is a tremendously important technology for the recovery of oil and gas, but the advantages and costs of fracking remain controversial. This book examines the issues and social, economic, political, and legal aspects of fracking in the United States.

Hydraulic fracturing of oil and gas wells—known commonly as "fracking"—has been in use in the United States for more than half a century. In recent years, however, massive expansion of shale gas fracturing across the nation has put fracking in the public eye. Is fracking a "win win" like its proponents say, or are there significant costs and dangers associated with the use of this energy production technology?

This book examines fracking from all angles, addressing the promise of the United States becoming energy independent through the use of the process to tap the massive amounts of natural gas and oil available as well as the host of problems associated with fracking—groundwater contamination and increased seismic activity, just to mention two—that raise questions about the long-term feasibility of the process as a source of natural gas.

The first part of the book provides a historical background of the topic; a review of technical information about fracking; and a detailed discussion of the social, economic, political, legal, and other aspects of the current fracking controversy. The second part of the book provides a host of resources for readers seeking to learn even more in-depth information about the topic, supplying a chronology, glossary, annotated bibliography, and profiles of important individuals and organizations. Written specifically for students and young adults, the content is accessible to readers with little or no previous knowledge regarding fracking.

Preface
1 Background and History
The Genesis of Fossil Fuels
Oil and Gas Resources
Terminology
Exploring for Oil and Gas
Drilling Technology
Petroleum Chemistry
A Brief History of Petroleum Exploration
The Petroleum Century
The Natural Gas Century
Hydraulic Fracturing
The History of Hydraulic Fracturing
Horizontal Drilling
Conclusion
References
2 Problems, Controversies, and Solutions
Peak Oil and Gas: Still a Looming Threat or Only a Distant Fantasy?
The Global State of Affairs
Energy Independence for the United States
Benefits of Fracking
Direct Economic Benefits
Indirect Economic Benefits
Environmental Benefits
Opposition to Fracking
Problems Associated with Hydraulic Fracturing
Water Use
Water Contamination
Air Pollution
Earthquakes
Aesthetic and Related Disturbances
Laws and Regulations
Conclusion
References
3 Perspectives
Introduction
Separating Fact from Hype: Trudy E. Bell
Why Fracking Is Beneficial: Bruce Everett
The Urgent Need for Global Definition of Terms in the Reporting on Fracking and Seismic Activity: Gina Hagler
Fracking and the Future of Fresh Water: Michael Pastorkovich
Fracking by the Numbers: John Rumpler
Exploring Alternative Uses for Fracking Water: Lana Straub
Fracking Like It's Your Job: Why Worker Safety in the Fracking Industry Is So Important: Laura Walter
Feeding the Fracking Workforce: How Worker Nutrition Supports Health, Safety and Productivity: Christopher Wanjek
Food as Protection
What Workers Need, and What Workers Get
Return on Investment
References
4 Profiles
Introduction
American Gas Association
American Petroleum Institute
America's Natural Gas Alliance
Chesapeake Climate Action Network
Consumer Energy Alliance
H. John Eastman (1905–1985)
Terry Engelder
Environment America
Food & Water Watch
Ground Water Protection Council
Erle P. Halliburton (1892–1957)
William Hart (1797–1865)
Independent Petroleum Association of America
Anthony R. Ingraffea (1947–)
International Energy Agency
Interstate Natural Gas Association of America
Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission
E.?W. Marland (1874–1941)
Aubrey McClendon (1959–)
George Mitchell (1919–2013)
The National Association of Royalty Owners
No Fracked Gas in Mass
Edward A.?L. Roberts (1829–1881)
The Endocrine Disruption Exchange
Tom L. Ward (1959–)
Waterkeeper Alliance
5 Data and Documents
Introduction
Data
Table 5.1 Chemicals Present in 652 Different Products Used by Hydraulic Fracturing Companies
Table 5.2 Discovered but Unproved Technically Recoverable Shale Gas and Oil Resources in the United States: Shale Oil Resources
Table 5.3 Estimated Number of Fracking Wells in the United States
Table 5.4 Water Used for Fracking
Table 5.5 Estimated Air Pollution Produced from Early Stages of Fracking (Drilling and Well Completion) in 2012 (tons)
Table 5.6 Estimated Risked Shale Gas and Shale Oil Resources In-Place and Technically Recoverable in 41 Countries as Assessed in 2013
Table 5.7 U.S. Crude Oil and Natural Gas Proved Reserves
Documents
Crude Oil Windfall Profit Tax Act of 1980
Hydraulic Fracturing Exclusions
Safe Drinking Water Act, Public Law 113-103, Section 300h(d)(1)
Clean Water Act, Public Law 95-217, Sections 1326, 1342
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), Public Law 94-580, 6921(b)
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA; also known as the Superfund Act), Public Law 96-510, 9601
Legal Environmental Assistance Foundation vs. U.S. EPA, 118 F.3d 1467 (1997)
Evaluation of Impacts to Underground Sources of Drinking Water by Hydraulic Fracturing of Coalbed Methane Reservoirs Study (2004)
ES-8 Did EPA Find Any Cases of Contaminated Drinking Water Wells Caused by Hydraulic Fracturing in CBM Wells?
Testimony Submitted to the House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Washington, DC, June 18, 2009, Prepared by the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission on Behalf of the Nation's Oil and Gas Producing States
Study of the Potential Impacts of Hydraulic Fracturing on Drinking Water Resources—Progress Report (2012)
Act 13, State of Pennsylvania (2012)
Robinson Township, et al. vs. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, (J-127A-D-2012) (2013)
Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals Act S.1135, 113th Congress, 1st Session (2013)
Powder River Basin Resource Council, Wyoming Outdoor Council, Earthworks, and Center for Effective Government (Formerly OMB Watch) vs. Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission and Halliburton Energy Services, Inc., 2014 WY 37 (2014)
Norse Energy Crop. vs. Town of Dryden, et al. (2014)
Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on the Exploration and Production of Hydrocarbons (Such as Shale Gas) Using High Volume Hydraulic Fracturing in the EU (2014)
6 Resources for Further Research
Introduction
Books
Articles
Reports
Internet
7 Chronology
Glossary
Index
About the Author

Product details

Published	Jan 16 2015
Format	Hardback
Edition	1st
Extent	360
ISBN	9781610696913
Imprint	ABC-CLIO
Illustrations	7 bw illus
Dimensions	9 x 6 inches
Series	Contemporary World Issues
Publisher	Bloomsbury Publishing

Although written for students and young adults, this book is accessible for all readers and is recommended for public and school libraries.

Booklist
This is a strong and timely choice for an undergraduate or public library reference collection. . . . [I]t will work well as a lower-level introduction to the topic. Summing Up: Recommended. General readers, lower-level undergraduates.

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