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Hydraulic Fracturing

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Hydraulic Fracturing Course Project
DeVry University
LAWS-310-62220
Professor Stephens
August 17, 2014

Abstract
This paper will cover the legal and environmental issues raised by hydraulic fracturing. It will discuss state and federal regulations as well as proposed federal laws. This paper compares and contrasts stat law approaches, establishes and understanding for the place of hydraulic fracturing as it relates to the United States energy needs, and examines Frances laws and regulations on hydraulic fracturing.

Hydraulic Fracturing
Hydraulic Fracturing, also known as fracking, is a controversial oil and gas extraction process introduced in the late 1940s, which stimulates the movement of oil and natural gas trapped between rocks deep underground (ConocoPhillips, 2013). A large number of water, sand, and chemicals are pumped into the ground to break the rocks and release gas (Publica, 2013). This method increases the output of oil and natural gas. “This process, along with new innovations in horizontal drilling, has opened up new natural gas development opportunities across the country, especially in the mid-Atlantic region” (Law, 2011). Hydraulic fracturing is currently underway in the United States in Ft. Worth, TX, Fayetteville, AR, and the Appalachians (USGS, 2014). Internationally, hydraulic fracturing is currently taking place in Russia; however fracking is forbidden in France (Chu, 20104). Venezuela holds the largest gas and oil reserve in South America, but lack the development. Mexico is the biggest importer of natural gas by hydraulic fracturing (FrackingResource.Org, 2014).
The primary legal issues that have come about due to hydraulic fracturing, is a complex question. Currently, hydraulic fracturing is not covered by national environmental laws. Regulation of hydraulic fracturing takes place at the state level, and each state is

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