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Pitch

We brainstormed ideas on fracking to make it safer.


Description

Summary

Seven ideas were produced in a brainstorming session by members of the board for the Twin and Walker Creeks Watershed Conservancy (TWCWC). The conservancy is concerned not only about fracking but the pipelines needed to transfer the gas from the field to the market place. Our proposal lists ideas for paying for any environmental damage caused by these activities, and addresses regulations that need to be put into place. Many of our group feel that fracking should not be allowed but others realize the political realities and needs for addressing harmful effects of this process.


Category of the action

Adaptation


What actions do you propose?

1. Full disclosure of all chemicals used in fracking process including proprietary chemicals.

2. Use spent drill sites for geothermal energy.

3. Require seismographic studies to determine acceptable drilling sites.

4. Reinstate environmental protection regulations (Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, Right to Know Act, Superfund Act, etc.).

5. Require natural gas and oil companies that drill to fully mitigate wetlands areas, reforest, loosen soil before reseeding, use native plants, replace trees and other vegetation.

6. Use fees to be applied for scientific studies by independent scientists. 

7. Require bonding to repair any damages caused by drilling, fracking, hauling water, and building pipelines.


Who will take these actions?

The actions should be taken at the federal level by the EPA. 


Where will these actions be taken?

These actions will be taken at each active drilling site and along the pipelines for these wells.


What are other key benefits?

Any excess fees should fund research and development of alternative energies to wean the US off carbon-based energy sources.


What are the proposal’s costs?

Costs will be minimal.


Time line

Regulations should be implemented immediately by executive order.


Related proposals

None


References

 

Fischetti, M. (2013, April 15). How to power the world without fossil fuels. Retrieved April 24, 2013, fromhttp://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=how-to-power-the-world

Polson, J. (2013, April 23). FracFocus fails as fracking disclosure tool, study finds. Retrieved April 24, 2013, fromhttp://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-04-23/fracfocus-fails-as-fracking-disclosure-tool-study-finds.html

Rubenstein, J. L., Ellsworth, W. L., & McGarr, A. (2012, February 22). Significant (induced?) earthquakes in the central and eastern US sine 2008 [Powerpoint slides]. Retrieved April 24, 2013, fromhttp://earthquake.usgs.gov/hazards/about/workshops/CEUS-WORKSHP/2.22.2012/Rubinstein2012InducedEqs.pdf