Hydraulic fracturing: The facts on fracking natural gas By EPN Staff Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, is the use of high pressure fluids to crack underground shale rock formations to access reserves of natural gas trapped inside. The expansion of the technology over the last 20 years has played a major role in the growth of natural gas as an energy source; in 2016, natural gas surpassed coal as the nation’s primary fuel for electricity production. Proponents say that it’s reduced the cost of natural gas, reduced the nation’s dependence on foreign energy sources and creates cleaner energy. Opponents complain that hydraulic fracturing has increased use of natural gas, a fossil fuel, and that it can affect drinking water and hurt wildlife. How it works After a well of shale or other gas-laden rock is discovered, companies set up drills and force pressurized liquids into the space, causing cracks in the rock formations. The process uses very large amounts of water, requiring production companies to engineer systems that manage that water. After the water pressure is stopped, the sand and chemicals used to lubricate drilling and prevent corrosion remain. This “holds” the cracks open, allowing natural gas to flow out and be captured. The process also allows for horizontal drilling, which minimizes surface-level impacts associated with drilling rigs. Why it matters While fracking has been used commercially for more than 60 years, its increased utilization has allowed the U.S. to drastically reduce its energy imports and become a major exporter of oil and gas. This has strengthened U.S. geopolitical influence, undermined the strength of foreign adversaries and provided an economic boon generally to the nation and specifically to states where natural gas production is concentrated. By the numbers The U.S. produced 1,035 billion cubic meters of natural gas in 2023, an all-time record, with hydraulic fracturing accounting for 67% of that production. About 43% of the nation’s electricity is now produced in power plants fired by natural gas, a jump from 17% in 1990. More than half of U.S. homes now use natural gas for heat, water heating and cooking. Five states accounted for 70% of the nation’s natural gas production in 2024: Texas at 28%; Pennsylvania at 18%; and Louisiana, West Virginia and New Mexico, all between 8-10% More than 507,000 Texans work in the oil and natural gas industry, which supports another 1.9 million spinoff jobs in the state. In Pennsylvania, 93,000 people work directly for the industry, with another 329,000 spinoff jobs. Deeper context Potential seismic activity and the risk of impacts to drinking water are among the most frequent concerns cited by parties that oppose production of natural gas through hydraulic fracturing. Five states now ban fracking: California, Vermont, Maryland, Washington and New York. New York – which has a large shale reserve – had the most to lose. Advocates of hydraulic fracturing have pointed to numerous studies concluding the process is safe and involves low health risks. Opponents have cited studies that claim a link between fracking and migraines, fatigue and breathing problems and risks of childhood cancer. Under the Biden administration, the Environmental Protection Agency noted more study is needed.
