Hydraulic Fracturing

BIC 3534

In recent years, the topic of hydraulic fracturing has become a more popular topic because of its importance in the United States’ energy security and its economic benefits. The “gold rush” of the hydraulic fracturing embeds several environmental and public health concerns due to the use of toxic chemicals during the process and its treatment after recovery. The main issues of hydraulic fracturing all go back to one question: why are there no federal or state laws that regulate this commercial drilling when it seems to have a potential threat to wild life, environment, and public health? This literature review examines the major potential threats of hydraulic fracturing in three approaches: toxic chemicals, water contamination, and lack of regulation. This review of different aspects of hydraulic fracturing suggests that a larger, complete study on the impact of this process is needed in order to advance the understanding of hydraulic fracturing and improve the federal and state regulations.