1. Hydraulic Fracturing: FRACKING

4. Steps: The well is drilled deep below the aquifer to the shale, then drilling continues horizontally Charges are set off to fracture the rock Fracking fluid (water, chemicals and sand) is sent down to force open the fractures so the gas can escape The sand keeps the fractures open, the fluid comes to the surface The fracking fluid is so toxic it cannot be cleaned, this water is permanently removed from the water cycle

6. Flowback disposal options: 1.Kept in an open, lined pit - releasing toxic fumes, may leak and seep into groundwater 2.Injected into deep containment wells - may leak and seep into groundwater 3. Truck away to other disposal sites- truck accident may spill flowback onto ground, contaminating soil and waterways, may also seep into groundwater

9. Environmental issues: Fracking uses a huge amount of water per well Fracking releases numerous toxic chemicals into the air and water Methane (natural gas) is a worse greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide Gas companies are not required to disclose what chemicals they use in their fracking fluid They are exempt from the Safe Drinking Water Act

10. VP Dick Chaney pushed for the 2005 Halliburton Loophole, exempting the gas industry from the Safe Drinking Water Act. Prior to becoming US vice president, he was CEO of Halliburton.

11. Fracking also causes earthquakes.

12. From Auburn University report - 2014

13. Vermont has banned fracking New York has a moratorium on fracking, but allows fracking fluid from PA to be trucked in for disposal. Colorado has a required setback. Gas pads must be 350 feet from schools. Should Fracking be allowed? It provides an abundant, cheap source of energy.