Hydraulic fracturing has turned the United States from a net-importer of natural gas to a country that may become a net-exporter. The use of this technology has also significantly decreased the United States' greenhouse gas emissions.
However, hydraulic fracturing is becoming increasingly controversial as the industry is contuinuing to grow. Because hydraulic fracturing is displacing coal for power generation, some environmental groups support expanded drilling while others strongly oppose hydraulic fracturing due to concerns about water use, waste water disposal, acquifier contamination, the use of hazardous chemicals, landscape and habitat disruption and others.
This talk will discuss the pro and cons of hydraulic fracturing as well as the evolving Federal regulatory landscape in the US.
Read more about Lee Paddock.
The lecture is based upon the article Emerging Regulatory Frameworks for Hydraulic Fracturing and Shale Gas Development in the United States by LeRoy C. Paddock and Jessica Anne Wentz. See the article (42 pages).