Hydraulic Fracturing: Is Air The New Water?

Hydraulic fracturing, or fracing, continues to be closely scrutinized by the public and regulators alike for its potential impact on water resources, e.g., possible contamination of drinking water.  However, recent events indicate air emissions are likely to become the next "big issue" in the fracing discussion.

Hydraulic fracturing, or fracing, continues to be closely scrutinized by the public and regulators alike for its potential impact on water resources, e.g., possible contamination of drinking water, volume of water used and disposal of used fracing wastewater.  These water issues have dominated the debate for some time, overshadowing concerns that some have raised about potential impacts on air quality.  Recent events, however, indicate air emissions are likely to become the next "big issue" in the fracing discussion.