Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, has been igniting controversy for some time. Here is a basic description of the process. In part because of issues raised by fracking, the National Council of State Legislators lists natural gas as one of the top 12 tough issues of 2012.
Recent Ohio events are in keeping with this prediction. Last weekend, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources shut down an injection well and four other well projects will not be allowed to open due to earthquakes in Youngstown. Possible links between fracking and earthquakes have also been observed in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Great Britain.
The earthquakes could lead to new Ohio laws and regulations regarding fracking. State Senator Joe Schiavoni (D-Youngstown) is calling for a special hearing of the Senate Energy & Public Utility Committee on this matter. For some information on Ohio’s current regulatory scheme, see the Topical Summary of Oil and Gas Law compiled by the Department of Natural Resources.
Recent Ohio events are in keeping with this prediction. Last weekend, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources shut down an injection well and four other well projects will not be allowed to open due to earthquakes in Youngstown. Possible links between fracking and earthquakes have also been observed in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Great Britain.
The earthquakes could lead to new Ohio laws and regulations regarding fracking. State Senator Joe Schiavoni (D-Youngstown) is calling for a special hearing of the Senate Energy & Public Utility Committee on this matter. For some information on Ohio’s current regulatory scheme, see the Topical Summary of Oil and Gas Law compiled by the Department of Natural Resources.