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Wednesday, February 08, 2012

Fracking isn't new; ProPublica tracks its history

Investigative journalism website ProPublica has created a chart mapping the history of hydraulic fracturing for natural gas in the U.S. Lena Groeger reports fracking has only recently become a household name, but "government involvement with the drilling technique goes back decades." What's made it news is its use in deep, dense shales pierced by horizontal drilling, and the resulting boost in gas reserves.

Groeger writes that President Obama has called for expanded drilling and more regulations, and despite "mounting evidence of water contamination," few regulations have been implemented. The graphic, which dates as far back as 1969, "traces officials' moves - and levels of caution - over time. It can be accessed here.

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