The Heat discusses fracking

The Heat

The United States is on its way to becoming the world’s largest oil and gas producer due to hydraulic fracturing better known as fracking. It’s a process by which water, sand and chemicals are injected underground to release oil or gas trapped inside. While advocates applaud its economic benefits, critics say it’s dangerous to the environment and to public health.

The common but controversial oil and natural gas extraction process known as ‘fracking’ has come under new federal rules announced by the Obama administration. The regulations will govern the chemicals used and the disposal of waste, and will apply only on federal government and Native American lands and not on private property, where most fracking occurs. Environmentalists complain the rules are too weak. Oil companies say the rules are not needed and will drive up fuel costs.

CCTV’s Steve Handelsman provided an update.

The Heat discussed the many benefits, risks and regulations of fracking with these experts:

  • Terry Engelder, a geoscience professor at Penn State University who was instrumental in revolutionizing fracking in the United States.
  • Environmentalist MK Dorsey.
  • Energy expert Katie Brown.

The discussion continued on the controversial practice of fracking.