Biden aims to reverse Trump’s move to open Arctic drilling
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
The Biden administration announced its intentions to reverse a Trump administration plan that would leave more than 82% of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska open for oil and gas drilling, according to The Hill.
The Bureau of Land Management said it will seek to follow an Obama-era plan the leaves 52% of the area open for drilling in a statement last week.
However, the department also said that part of the Trump plan will remain, saying it intends to retain “certain more protective lease stipulations and operating procedures for threatened and endangered species” implemented by its predecessor.
Learn more: The Hill > Overnight Energy & Environment — Biden seeks to reverse Trump on Arctic
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Shale FAQ
What is fracking?
Fracking is a slang term for hydraulic fracturing. Fracturing is a process by which highly pressurized fluid is pumped thousands of feet into the ground to fracture rock formations. The goal is to release the natural gas that’s locked inside the rock.
Is it safe?
What most concerns people about fracturing is ground water contamination. The worry is that fractures underground, caused by the process, will extending upwards and into aquifers, releasing gas and chemicals into the ground water supply. There’s been no confirmed reports of such a thing happening. Though surface spills and drill site blowouts can lead to localized environmental concerns.
Will my water catch on fire?
Flammable water is caused by the release of methane gas into a drinking water supply. Methane gas occurs naturally and can be released by any kind of drilling, including water wells. In Pennsylvania officials fined Chesapeake Energy $1 million for contaminating ground water with methane. It was determined that the company had not properly cemented it’s boreholes and gas migrated up the well, between rock and into aquifers.