Hydraulic Fracturing Research Paper
The Legal Environment
Course Project
Philip Woehr
Professor Whitman
DeVry University
April 13, 2014
Table of Contents
Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………… 3
What is Hydraulic Fracturing?.................................................................................................... 3
Hydraulic Fracturing Economic Effects………………………………………………………. 4
Primary Legal Issues Raised by Hydraulic Fracturing………………………………………… 5
Primary Environmental Issues Raised by Hydraulic Fracturing………………………………. 6
Hydraulic Fracturing’s Role in Meeting U.S. Energy Needs…………………………………. 6
What is Pennsylvania Act 13?.................................................................................................... 7 …show more content…
This form of fossil fuel extraction is gaining popularity in the United States. With the need to decrease our dependency on foreign energy supplies, hydraulic fracturing allows the US to extract a larger quantity of fossil fuels, making the drilling process more profitable. Using this technique has and will continue to increase domestic energy production, also being able to reuse wellbores that were previously thought to dry, [making] the use of fracturing more cost effective [than] continually drilling new wellbores. Throughout this report, essential issue[s] will be addressed, beginning with the process of fracturing, [then] more in depth, starting with economic ramifications, outlining federal laws and regulations, environmental concerns, domestic and international fracturing, and how this method of drilling can and will affect the US energy needs. President Obama has issued an executive order expressing strong support for the controversial process of hydro fracturing, gaining backing from major energy industry powers; this will address both pro and cons of the current issues and its relation” (“Free The Legal and Environmental Issues …show more content…
Natural gas imports decreased by 25 percent between 2007 and 2011, while petroleum imports dropped from a high of 29.248 quadrillion [British Thermal Units] in 2005 to 24.740 in
2011. By 2020, the Energy Information Administration predicts that the USA will become a net exporter of natural gas, and as more natural gas reserves are discovered and tapped, that date may yet be pushed earlier. Trade balance, of course, is not a measure of welfare, and, while interesting, should not be considered a direct benefit, but often will be” (Benefits of hydraulic fracking, 2014).
Primary Legal Issues Raised by Hydraulic Fracturing “Before proceeding with the primary legal issues associated with hydraulic fracturing, it would be imperative to look at the various legal issues that have been raised at the government level. Some of these are:
Federal FRAC Act, H.R. 1084; S 587
The diesel Fracking Permitting Guidance as proposed by EPA’s
The various rules and legislations that have been adopted by the states such as the Wyoming Oil and Gas Regulation, Arkansas Oil & Gas Commission Rule B-19, Michigan DEQ Permitting Instructions, Texas HB 3328 (June 2011) and Texas Railroad Commission Proposed
Course Project
Philip Woehr
Professor Whitman
DeVry University
April 13, 2014
Table of Contents
Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………… 3
What is Hydraulic Fracturing?.................................................................................................... 3
Hydraulic Fracturing Economic Effects………………………………………………………. 4
Primary Legal Issues Raised by Hydraulic Fracturing………………………………………… 5
Primary Environmental Issues Raised by Hydraulic Fracturing………………………………. 6
Hydraulic Fracturing’s Role in Meeting U.S. Energy Needs…………………………………. 6
What is Pennsylvania Act 13?.................................................................................................... 7 …show more content…
This form of fossil fuel extraction is gaining popularity in the United States. With the need to decrease our dependency on foreign energy supplies, hydraulic fracturing allows the US to extract a larger quantity of fossil fuels, making the drilling process more profitable. Using this technique has and will continue to increase domestic energy production, also being able to reuse wellbores that were previously thought to dry, [making] the use of fracturing more cost effective [than] continually drilling new wellbores. Throughout this report, essential issue[s] will be addressed, beginning with the process of fracturing, [then] more in depth, starting with economic ramifications, outlining federal laws and regulations, environmental concerns, domestic and international fracturing, and how this method of drilling can and will affect the US energy needs. President Obama has issued an executive order expressing strong support for the controversial process of hydro fracturing, gaining backing from major energy industry powers; this will address both pro and cons of the current issues and its relation” (“Free The Legal and Environmental Issues …show more content…
Natural gas imports decreased by 25 percent between 2007 and 2011, while petroleum imports dropped from a high of 29.248 quadrillion [British Thermal Units] in 2005 to 24.740 in
2011. By 2020, the Energy Information Administration predicts that the USA will become a net exporter of natural gas, and as more natural gas reserves are discovered and tapped, that date may yet be pushed earlier. Trade balance, of course, is not a measure of welfare, and, while interesting, should not be considered a direct benefit, but often will be” (Benefits of hydraulic fracking, 2014).
Primary Legal Issues Raised by Hydraulic Fracturing “Before proceeding with the primary legal issues associated with hydraulic fracturing, it would be imperative to look at the various legal issues that have been raised at the government level. Some of these are:
Federal FRAC Act, H.R. 1084; S 587
The diesel Fracking Permitting Guidance as proposed by EPA’s
The various rules and legislations that have been adopted by the states such as the Wyoming Oil and Gas Regulation, Arkansas Oil & Gas Commission Rule B-19, Michigan DEQ Permitting Instructions, Texas HB 3328 (June 2011) and Texas Railroad Commission Proposed