Why the fracking boom may actually be an economic bubble | Grist

Surprise, Surprise ….

Fracking proponents like to use an evocative economic metaphor in talking about their industry: boom. The natural gas boom. Drilling is exploding in North Dakota and Texas and Pennsylvania. Only figuratively so far, but who knows what the future holds.

The Post Carbon Institute, however, suggests in a new report [PDF] that another metaphor would be more apt: a bubble, like the bubbles of methane that seep into water wells and then burst.

PCI presents the argument in its most basic form at ShaleBubble.org.

For more on this story, visit: Why the fracking boom may actually be an economic bubble | Grist.

February 20, 2013 0

Fracking lobbyists prepare case against Matt Damon’s Promised Land

Energy in Depth prepares ‘cheat sheet’ of pro-fracking talking points before release of Gus Van Sant drilling-rights drama

For more on this story, visit: Fracking lobbyists prepare case against Matt Damon’s Promised Land | Environment | guardian.co.uk.

December 18, 2012 0

Bizarre story of the day: Hearst Bans Word

The prudes at Hearst Media Group, owner of the Connecticut Post, have banned “frack” as a replacement for its “vulgar cousin.” What’s next, “frig?” It’s also a legit word used in natural gas drilling. News of the frack ban has made its way to social media sites.

For more on this story, visit: What The Frack! Hearst Bans Word.

October 18, 2012 0

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett and legislature shows complete disregard toward human health and the planet

The state’s latest grab for Marcellus Shale money could turn some colleges into industrial zones.

—By Sydney Brownstone

Last year, when Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett suggested offsetting college tuition fees by leasing parts of state-owned college campuses to natural gas drillers, more than a few Pennsylvanians were left blinking and rubbing their eyes. But it was no idle threat: After quietly moving through the state Senate and House, this week the governor signed into law a bill that opens up 14 of the state’s public universities to fracking, oil drilling, and coal mining on campus.

For more on this story, visit: Pennsylvania Fracking Law Opens Up Drilling on College Campuses | Mother Jones.

October 15, 2012 0