Fracking: The Final Part

We have recently deviated from the usual diet of fisheries-related themes, but our recent report on fracking received more momentum than expected.  In return, we gained the attention of a licensed geologist.  Here we share his forward projections about the fracking issue.

A geologist’s thoughts on fracking

Simon Kline, Licensed Geologist in the State of North Carolina

Like any type of resource extraction, fracking has costs and benefits.  Often the negative aspects are publicized and provide a bleak and threatening picture of a fracked landscape.  The jury is still out on the ultimate costs and benefits of fracking, but several conditions need to be met before fracking will even take place.  It turns out that natural gas deposits are not all created equally, each presenting a different list of considerations as fracking activities begin.  Below, I briefly describe the unique geological conditions of fracking, using examples in North Carolina.

Captain America Sells Vote For Fracking

By Patrick Cooney

 

CAPTAIN AMERICA SELLS VOTE TO ALLOW FRACKING IN NORTH CAROLINA

As a "follow up" to Fracking Harms Fish, this article discusses the politics surrounding fracking in North Carolina.  As such, this is not one of our normal weekly fisheries related posts with The Fisheries Blog.  Please feel free to leave constructive comments following this "follow up" should you feel inclined to discuss, and please check back in on Monday for another fisheries related topic.

The following is an account of what occurred in the first few days of July, 2012 in the North Carolina Assembly with regards to the Clean Energy and Economic Security Act.

Captain America, the Marvel inspired, patriotic shield throwing, and communist crushing Super Hero, sold the final legitimate vote to allow fracking in North Carolina.

Fracking Harms Fish Through the Halliburton Loophole



(Credit: Gasland)

 

  Before we begin to grasp the impacts of Fracking on fish, let's take a quick look at an energy boom that swept the continent and world more than a century ago that presented similar challenges.

   Like a scene in a cheesy 80's movie, my family pushed south on Interstate 5 on our annual journey through California's Central Valley in the family station wagon on a sizzling hot summer day.  As I peeled my sweat soaked skin from the fake leather bench seat, my parents announced we were taking a detour to visit the Iron Zoo.  I was crazy about animals, and anticipation of the zoo was probably the only feeling of excitement I ever experienced on what I consider the most boring stretch of road in America.