Hydraulic fracturing, commonly known as fracking, stands as a significant method for extracting fossil fuels. This process involves drilling deep into shale and other subterranean rock formations, followed by the injection of a high-pressure mixture of water, chemicals, and sand. This forceful injection creates fractures in the rock, facilitating the release of oil and natural gas that were previously trapped.
This technology has revolutionized access to previously inaccessible oil and gas reserves across numerous US states, notably including Texas and Pennsylvania. Fracking has rapidly become the dominant method for fossil fuel extraction in the United States.
The advent of the fracking boom has triggered an unprecedented surge in US oil production. Over the past six years, the United States has surpassed all nations in history in terms of oil and gas extraction volume. Natural gas, largely due to fracking, has overtaken coal to become the nation’s primary source of electricity.
Delving into the Fracking Controversy
The controversy surrounding fracking stems from its significant environmental and health repercussions. The scientific community has consistently cautioned that a transition away from fossil fuels is imperative to maintain a sustainable climate.
The practice of fracking also carries the risk of contaminating sources of drinking water. For many Americans, the potential dangers of fracking were brought to light by the 2010 documentary “Gasland.” A particularly memorable scene from this film shows a homeowner igniting tap water that had been contaminated by fracking activities.
Research conducted in 2022 revealed that over 17.6 million individuals in the US reside within a mile of a fracked well. People living near these wells frequently report a range of health issues, from headaches and nosebleeds to more severe problems such as low birth weights in infants and endocrine system disruption. Studies in Pennsylvania have indicated a heightened risk of lymphoma, a type of cancer, in children living in close proximity to active or numerous fracking wells.
Furthermore, fracking is a water-intensive process and has been linked to seismic activity, including earthquakes.
Adding another layer to the debate, fracking has become entangled in broader cultural and political divides. Some conservative voices have framed opposition to fracking as an attack on American interests, associating it with what they term the “woke left.”
A kitchen tap with flames coming out of it, representing water contamination from fracking as depicted in the documentary Gasland
Fracking’s Impact on Climate: A Point of Contention
Fracking is intrinsically linked to the production of fossil fuels, which are the primary contributors to global warming pollution. A 2022 report highlighted that planned fracking projects in the US could potentially release 140 billion metric tons of greenhouse gases. This level of emissions could have catastrophic consequences for global climate stability.
While natural gas obtained through fracking has been promoted by energy companies and some environmental groups as a “bridge fuel”—a temporary solution to transition from coal to renewable energy—its climate benefits are heavily debated. Burning natural gas does produce approximately half the greenhouse gas emissions of coal per unit of energy, and it can have a smaller physical footprint compared to coal mining operations.
However, several studies suggest that, when considering its entire lifecycle from extraction to consumption, fracked gas might actually be more detrimental to the climate than coal. A critical factor is methane leakage during fracking. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, far more effective at trapping heat than carbon dioxide, and research indicates that methane leaks associated with fracking are often underreported.
The United States has set a goal to reduce its emissions by at least 50% by 2030. However, current policies, even with the green initiatives included in the Inflation Reduction Act, are projected to result in an emissions reduction of only 32% to 43% by that deadline, according to researchers.
Fracking as a Key Issue in the 2024 Election
Donald Trump has consistently voiced strong support for the fossil fuel industry. He has criticized his political opponents, like Vice President Kamala Harris, for past stances seemingly against fracking, arguing that limiting or banning fracking would be economically devastating, particularly for states like Pennsylvania.
During her 2019 presidential campaign, Harris did express support for a ban on fracking. However, by July of the election year, her campaign clarified that she no longer advocated for such a policy. This shift disappointed environmental advocacy groups and many voters concerned about climate change.
The concept of “energy independence” is frequently cited as a justification for continued fossil fuel extraction, including fracking. Proponents argue that domestic fracking reduces reliance on foreign energy sources.
However, the reality of global energy markets is complex. The US has consistently imported fossil fuels for decades, regardless of presidential administrations. Furthermore, proponents of clean energy argue that investing in renewable sources offers a more sustainable and effective path to genuine energy independence, insulating the US from the price volatility of global fossil fuel markets.
In a recent interview, Vice President Harris countered claims made in political ads, asserting her commitment to job creation in rural communities and investments in regions like western Pennsylvania, while maintaining her stance on transitioning to cleaner energy solutions.
Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state in presidential elections, and also the second-largest natural gas producer in the United States, reflects the divided public opinion on fracking. A 2020 survey indicated that a slight majority of Pennsylvanians (52%) oppose fracking. A 2021 poll further revealed that less than a third of state residents favored fracking within their state.
Job losses in the fracking industry are also a concern, even as production remains high. Employment in oil and gas has been declining, including in Pennsylvania. Countering this, studies show that the clean energy sector in Pennsylvania currently employs significantly more people—eight times as many—than the natural gas industry. This suggests a potential for economic transition and growth in alternative energy sectors.
