HYDRAULIC FRACTURING: DRILLING DOWN TO THE FACTS

1. HYDRAULIC FRACTURING: DRILLING DOWN TO THE FACTS
OVERVIEW
Hydraulic fracturing — or “fracking” — is an energy production method that uses fluid made mostly of water to create fractures in shale formations, allowing oil and natural gas to escape.
For more than 60 years, hydraulic fracturing has been safely used in more than one million wells across the United States and has produced more than seven billion barrels of oil and 600 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.
In recent years, advances to this time-tested technology — including horizontal drilling – have allowed us access to previously unreachable energy reserves with greater efficiency and a smaller footprint — unleashing America’s vast domestic energy potential, reinvigorating American industries and fueling the U.S. economy.

2. HYDRAULIC FRACTURING: DRILLING DOWN TO THE FACTS
ABUNDANT SUPPLIES
“We have a supply of natural gas that can last America nearly 100 years.” – President Obama, 2012 State of the Union address
The president was right about our bountiful natural gas supply — but some experts estimate that the U.S. actually has enough natural gas to last 110 years.
America’s own Marcellus Shale located in the northeast is likely the second-largest unconventional natural gas field in the world, with enough natural gas to fuel the entire United States for 20 years.
Thanks to hydraulic fracturing, we have the ability to safely tap these abundant resources throughout our country — creating jobs, reinvigorating communities, fueling manufacturing and providing stable supplies of clean-burning natural gas as we do.

3. HYDRAULIC FRACTURING: DRILLING DOWN TO THE FACTS
ECONOMIC IMPACT
Natural gas production from hydraulic fracturing is pumping new life into America’s economy.
By 2035, the oil and natural gas industry’s investment in hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling is expected to exceed $5.1 trillion and support more than 3.5 million jobs.
All across the country, states are already reaping the economic benefits. Thanks to the Bakken Formation, North Dakota experienced a whopping 7.6% growth in GDP between 2010 and 2011, the highest of all states. At just 3.2%, North Dakota also boasts the nation’s lowest state unemployment rate; Williston County, the state’s natural gas production hub, saw unemployment drop to as low as 1%.
Natural gas development also reduces electricity prices, allowing American households to save an average of nearly $1,000 per year

4. HYDRAULIC FRACTURING: DRILLING DOWN TO THE FACTS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling produce clean energy and help reduce carbon emissions, using environmentally friendly methods with ample safeguards.
Not only is hydraulic fracturing used strictly to tap reserves located thousands of feet below the water table, oil and natural gas is pumped through 3 million pounds of redundant steel and cement piping layers, called casing, to provide another effective barrier against potential groundwater contamination.
The “fracking fluid” running through this heavily reinforced casing is a harmless mixture of 90% water, 9.5% sand and only 0.5% other additives – 98% of which is recycled to minimize waste.
Finally, increased natural gas consumption, thanks in part to this green technology, has helped reduce CO2 emissions to 1992 levels.

5. HYDRAULIC FRACTURING: DRILLING DOWN TO THE FACTS
SHALE PLAYS PROFILE
You might be surprised to learn that the process of bringing a hydraulic fracturing well online is relatively short. While site construction and drilling may last 2 to 3 months, the fracturing itself only takes a matter of days, which can then produce enough energy to last 20 to 40 years.
Once completed, the production site is reduced to about the size of a two-car garage. Local communities that host wells enjoy a completely restored landscape. And the environmental benefits — including reduced air and greenhouse gas emissions resulting from increased natural gas use — last for decades.

6. HYDRAULIC FRACTURING: DRILLING DOWN TO THE FACTS
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Hydraulic fracturing is key to our energy security, our economic future and our livelihoods — and we need your help to spread the word.
For more information about hydraulic fracturing, visit the Energy Tomorrow Blog, FracFocus.org, EnergyfromShale.org and EnergyInDepth.org