Response to Fracking Article

            In the article Abraham Lustgarten and Nicholas Kusnetz argue that underground contamination can be traced to Fracking, also known as hydraulic fracturing, as a result of drilling for oil supplies.  Hydraulic fracturing is defined as the forcing open of fissures in subterranean rocks by introducing liquid at high pressure, especially to extract oil or gas.  EPA, the Environmental Protection Agency, would like to blame the oil and gas companies for the underground contamination in efforts to enforce stricter regulations.  The oil and gas companies of course do not accept the blame and insist to support that fracking is a totally safe and sufficient process.  That being said, who or what then is responsible for the contamination near Pavillion, WY.  EPA reports that the contamination came from gas wells and contained numerous compounds associated with fracking fluids.

            Many of the “that won’t happens” or risks of hydraulic fracturing have occurred.  The biggest concern was the contamination of water supplies.  An incident happened where fracking caused well water in an area to turn brown.  As a result of that gas companies provided drinking water to residents for a period of time.  If not at fault why be the 1^st to make such an uncommon friendly gesture?  Fracking is indeed a problem and can become even greater.  More incidents have occurred and if not stopped more will occur.  The gas companies should take blame for the incidents that have occurred and should continue to take blame if stricter regulations aren’t enforced.  Large companies like the oil and gas tycoons need to be reassured they aren’t above the law.  Accidents happen so why not prevent those that one has the power to before it all goes bad?