Fracking Myths






  






by Michelle Segrest, VP of Editorial


	



	I recently read an interesting article in The Wall Street Journal (“The Facts About Fracking,” June 25, 2011) which explored the myths surrounding the shale gas revolution and the common perceptions of its impact.




	In 2000, shale gas was 1 percent of America’s gas supplies, according to the article. Today, it is 25 percent.




	Proven reserves are at their highest since 1971 and prices have fallen to close to $4 a barrel. The shale boom is also providing economic relief to suffering parts of the country by creating tens of thousands of jobs. With the growth, critics have surfaced, notably environmentalists, launching a media and political attack on hydraulic fracturing.




	The article provides insightful research and debate surrounding assumptions such as “Fracking contaminates drinking water,” and “Fracking releases toxic or radioactive chemicals.”  The article addresses other common myths like how fracking causes cancer, earthquakes and pollution.  It also discusses the claim that shale exploration is unregulated. 




	It is a fair article and provides solid data to separate the truth from fiction with regard to the main allegations. Link to the article through my professional Facebook page (Michelle Segrest – Reporting on the Pump Industry) and let me know what you think.




	Meanwhile, in the Summer 2011 issue, we turn our focus to production in the Marcellus and Eagle Ford Shales. Lori Ditoro provides another insightful look at the history of production in these two shales, while Pinnacle’s Doug Walser examines shale reservoir development in these two areas.




	Our instrumentation special section provides useful information on managing power to enhance safety and improve uptime, intelligent pumping used in the oil and gas industry and real-time monitoring for downhole progressive cavity pumping.




	This also issue covers several major oil and gas industry tradeshows. Also, please take a minute to subscribe to our FREE e-newsletter, “The Well,” for the latest information on upstream oil and gas pumping. Sign up at www.pump-zone.com/the-well-newsletter-subscription.html. We encourage your feedback on our editorial coverage and invite you to join the conversation on our Upstream Pumping Solutions LinkedIn group.




	Best regards,

	Michelle Segrest

	Editor

	msegrest@pump-zone.com


	


  


  

    

          
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