Fracking continues to be a controversial subject not just in the U.S., but across the world.
Fire in Australia
Australian Parliament member Jeremy Buckingham recently took to the waters of the Condamine River to show that it wasn't just water. In an aluminum boat, Buckingham set out to record what would happen if he tried to light the so-called water on fire. But because the water was mixed with methane – a colorless and odorless gas – the rivers burst into flames, reported The Washington Post. The flames survived for about an hour which Buckingham used as a warning for the future of the country should fracking continue.
However, Buckingham admits that his evidence is not substantial and lacks concrete proof that the river's condition is a direct cause of fracking.
Rejection in the U.S.
Meanwhile, in the U.S., New York State turned down the Constitution Pipeline project that would allow gas to be fracked from Northeast Pennsylvania to travel to Boston, New York City and other regional markets. This is the third fracking project that has been rejected within the past year, reported CNN Money. Supporters of the Constitution Pipeline only see this as a setback however, and are determined to get to work on this project. On this side of the argument, they point out that this practice will create roughly 2,400 jobs and help lower the country's energy costs.
What you're left with
Fracking still has a long battle of research ahead of it. Pipeline companies and researchers have explained that they are working with the state to address water quality concerns – much like the ones being addressed in Australia – and even boast to put funds toward stream restoration, wetland migration and preservation of animal habitats. More concrete evidence needs to be researched in order to prove that fracking is harmful to water supply, and even more research needs to be devoted to safe fracking techniques.
