Hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking, is a process that has been used safely for over 60 years to extract oil and natural gas from shale formations by creating fractures in the rock. It allows access to large reserves that can provide energy for decades and has contributed to economic growth through job creation and lower energy costs. While fracking occurs thousands of feet below water sources, regulations ensure protection of groundwater through redundant casing and primarily using water in the fracking process. Increased natural gas from fracking has also helped reduce US carbon emissions.

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.
Formore than 60 years, hydraulic fracturing has been safely used in more than one million wells across the United States and has produced more thanseven billion barrels of oiland 600 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.
In recent years, advances to this time-tested technology — includinghorizontal 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 Americanearly 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 last110 years.
America’s own Marcellus Shalelocated in the northeast is likely the second-largest unconventional natural gas field in the world, with enough natural gas tofuel the entire United States for 20 years.
Thanks to hydraulic fracturing, we have the ability to safely tap theseabundant 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 than3.5 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 ofnearly $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 feetbelow the water table, oil and natural gas is pumped through3 million pounds of redundant steel and cement pipinglayers, called casing, to provide another effective barrier against potential groundwater contamination.
The “fracking fluid” running through this heavily reinforced casing is a harmless mixture of90% water, 9.5% sand and only 0.5% other additives–98% of which is recycledto minimize waste.
Finally, increased natural gas consumption, thanks in part to this green technology, has helpedreduce 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 amatter 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 theEnergy Tomorrow Blog, FracFocus.org,EnergyfromShale.organd EnergyInDepth.org