Is shale oil fracking bad for the environment?

Posing the question in such a general way makes it difficult to answer simply. Constructing any well is bad for the environment; it used to be pristine, and now it has a hole in it. The question is does the inherent damage matter, and how much damage actually is inherent as opposed being caused by choice. read more

Shale oil fracking may likely be a net positive for the environment on this basis provided the major risk of ground water pollution can be managed thru regulation. Permanent irreversible groundwater contamination is the key issue. read more

Fracking causes the formation of larger fissures in the rocks, triggering the release of oil and natural gas. Extracted natural gas contains a significant amount of methane, which is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. read more

France and Bulgaria, countries with the largest shale-gas reserves in Europe, have already banned fracking. Protesters are blocking potential drilling sites in Poland and England. Opposition to fracking has entered popular culture with the release of “The Promised Land,” starring Matt Damon. read more