What the Frack

What the Frack?

You’ve heard the term but really, what is fracking? Hydraulic fracturing or fracking, is the process of injecting a mix of water, sand, and chemicals into the ground at high speeds to extract oil or gas. There are several types of hydraulic fracturing, but some are considered more dangerous than others. The chemicals used in fracking, the amount of water used, the impact on air quality and other factors make fracking a threat to the environment. Click here to read more information from the Environmental Protection Agency on fracking.

What Do You Mean “Threat to the Environment”?

Fracking requires toxic chemicals that are poisonous to humans and animals. These chemicals can enter groundwater and other bodies of water and make it unsafe for aquatic animals. Fracking has also been linked to earthquakes. According to a report by the Seismological Society of America, earthquakes have been linked to areas where fracking occurs. Click here to read more about the impact of fracking.

If Fracking is that bad, then why can’t we fix it?

Currently, many regulations and laws do not include fracking to reduce the effects. The Safe Drinking Water Actand the Clean Air Act are two examples of federal laws that can help to regulate fracking to ensure it is carried out as safely as possible. Like other oil and gas regulations, some states have been looking at buffer zones to keep drilling companies from setting up within a certain distance of homes, schools, and major places of business.

How can I take action?

Here’s what organizations have been doing to raise awareness on the effects of fracking.

http://earthjustice.org/features/unfracktured-communities. You can also join the fracking movement at http://www.americansagainstfracking.org/join-the-movement.

I want to do something in my community, where do I start?

Local organizations where you can get involve- http://www.americansagainstfracking.org/about-the-coalition/members

I want to attend or create a rally, how do I start?

Join americansagainstfracking.org and work with coalition members for support

Attending a rally? Here are some poster ideas – http://grassrootsinfo.org/issues/hydraulic-fracturing-fracking/fracking-advocacy-posters

I want to be involved in some way, how can I stay active?

You can track fracking data across the states using the Fracktracker app.

How do I reach out to my state representatives and senators?

Each state capitol has a website you can visit and find out who your elected officials are. Most states have that information available by searching your zip code. You can also reach out to your members of Congress.