Arguments Against Fracking

Counter arguments against hydraulic fracturing include the lack of government regulations, and environmental issues. While most energy companies are conscientious and put forth every effort to make fracking safe, without oversight, some companies are reeking havoc on communities, individuals, and nature. John Rumpler, Senior Attorney for Environment America, says those taking advantage of unrestricted production are responsible for complaints of coercion, contaminated drinking water, flammable well water, physical illnesses of those living close to sites, noise pollution, death of domestic animals and wildlife, and destruction of pristine landscapes (Bambrick). Consequently, the 2005 Energy Policy Act made fracking exempt from the Clean Water
First, congress has unsuccessfully tried to regulate fracking by passing the Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals Act in 2009, 2011, and again in 2013. Second, oil and gas industry leaders continue hampering regulations and oversight by spending more than $747 million in the last 10 years on lobbying and political campaign efforts (Browning and Kaplan). Third, the incomprehensible fact is that hydraulic fracturing continues operations without restriction while the U.S. Geological Survey concluding that earthquakes near Youngstown, Ohio were manmade, when evidence shows no manmade activity in the area except fracking (Bambrick 2) and a recommendation by Environmental Commissioner Joe Martin to ban fracking due to unresolved health issues (Esch). Fourth, a Boston College review about communities in the dark reveals rural property owners are approached by companies offering huge royalties for land rights promising safe practices and stating that no harm will come to them; however, when numerous reports of illness occur these large entities hide the chemicals they use by citing trade secret laws; meanwhile, the near-poverty-level individuals lack the finances to fight back (Fisher 100). Consequently, even those who have damning evidence tend to settle out of court, leaving no help for others suffering, because litigation is sealed or accompanied by a statement of confidentiality. If Sunshine Law mentality applied to private litigation, transformation of inept practices would progress more rapidly, including standards and policies for safe drilling, safe waste disposal, safe storage of fracking chemicals, and requirements for well