Falls Church, VA – Oil and gas workers are exposed to respirable crystalline silica during directional drilling and hydraulic fracturing operations, a new NIOSH study concludes.

Children's Geographies; 10/01/2021
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Hydraulic fracking exposes shale plays to acidic hydraulic fracking fluid (HFF), releasing toxic uranium (U) along with the desired oil and gas. With no existing methods to ensure U remains sequestered in the shale, this study sought to add organic ligands to HFF to explore potential U retention in shale plays. To test this possibility, incubations were set up in which uranyl acetate and one organic bipyridine ligand (either 2,2'-, 2,3'-, 2,4'-, or 4,4'-bipyridine) were added to pristine HFF as the crystallization medium. After several months and complete evaporation of all volatiles, bulk yellow crystalline material was obtained from the incubations, three of which yielded crystals suitable for single-crystal analysis, resulting in two novel structures and a high-quality structure of a previously described compound. The UO2VI acetate complexes bis(acetato-κ2O,O')(2,2'-bipyridine-κ2N,N')dioxidouranium(VI), [U(C2H3O2)2O2(C10H8N2)2] or [2,2'-bipyridine]UVIO2(CH3CO2)2, (I), and bis(acetato-κ2O,O')(2,4'-bipyridine-κN1')dioxidouranium(VI), [U(C2H3O2)2O2(C10H8N2)2] or [2,4'-bipyridine]2UVIO2(CH3CO2)2, (III), contain eight-coordinate UVI in a pseudo-hexagonal bipyramidal coordination geometry and are molecular, packing via weak C—H...O/N interactions, whereas catena-poly[bis(2,3'-bipyridinium) [di-μ-acetato-μ3-hydroxido-μ-hydroxido-di-μ3-oxido-hexaoxidotriuranium(VI)]–2,3'-bipyridine–water (1/1/1)], (C10H9N2)2[U3(C2H3O2)2O8(OH)2]·C10H8N2·H2O or {[2,3'-bipyridinium]2[2,3'-bipyridine][(UVIO2)3(O)2(OH)2(CH3CO2)2·H2O]}n, (II), forms an ionic one-dimensional polymer with seven-coordinate pentagonal bipyramidal UVI centers and hydrogen-bonding interactions within each chain. The formation of these crystals could indicate the potential for bipyridine to bind with U in shale during fracking, which will be explored in a future study via ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) analyses of U concentration in HFF/bipyridine/shale incubations. The variation seen here between the molecular structures may indicate variance in the ability of bipyridine isomers to form complexes with U, which could impact their ability to retain U within shale in the context of fracking.

A fracking site in Kern County, Calif. Fracking — short for hydraulic fracturing — is the process of extracting oil deep underground using a high-pressure water mixture to break up rock.; Credit: Citizens of the Planet/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty

California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced plans to ban hydraulic fracturing by 2024 as part of a longer-term aim to end all oil extraction in the state.

The governor has ordered the state's top oil regulator to implement regulation to stop issuing new fracking permits by 2024. He has also directed the state's air resources agency to look at ways to phase out oil extraction completely by 2045.

"The climate crisis is real, and we continue to see the signs every day," Newsom said in a Friday press release. "As we move to swiftly decarbonize our transportation sector and create a healthier future for our children, I've made it clear I don't see a role for fracking in that future and, similarly, believe that California needs to move beyond oil."

The plan aligns with the state's broader goal to reach net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2045.

Newsom's order follows a more aggressive plan to ban oil and gas production that died in the state Senate last week.

Following the bill's failure, Rock Zierman, CEO of the California Independent Petroleum Association, told The Desert Sun that it would have killed tens of thousands of jobs "in parts of the state that are struggling in this post-pandemic economy."

"We will continue to oppose bills that only increase our reliance on foreign oil which drives up gas prices, contributes to pollution in our crowded ports, and is produced without California's environmental protections or humanitarian values," he said.

Under Newson's plan, the state's Air Resources Board will assess the economic, environmental and health benefits and effects of ending oil extraction.

In September, Newsom said that fracking accounts for less than 2% of the state's oil production, but that the plan to end the practice is a "symbolic" step. However, some industry groups put that figure at closer to 20%.

The governor has previously said that he lacks the executive authority to ban fracking and has looked to legislators to approve limits.

Now, Newsom is leveraging his authority to take on the state's powerful oil and gas giants during a year in which he will likely face a recall election.

California would be the largest oil-producing state to ban fracking. Environmentalist groups — who argue that fracking drains water levels, harms public health and contributes to global warming — say the 2024 and 2045 deadlines are too late.

"While precedent setting, both timelines are not aggressive enough," California's Sierra Club said in a statement. "They fail to meet the urgency of the climate crisis we face and protect frontline communities facing the brunt of fossil fuel pollution that still need immediate health and safety protections."

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

WildEarth Guardians Press Release Federal Court Overturns Leasing of Lands to Oil and Gas Industry SANTA FE, NM — In a victory for New Mexico’s air, climate, and water, the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico today … Continue reading →

It has fundamentally transformed the United States, and it influenced this election cycle.

Last month, NRDC engaged a nationally recognized opinion research firm to conduct polling in New York State to evaluate public attitudes about fracking and clean energy. Importantly, this is the first statewide poll in at least two years — and perhaps ever — to directly ask residents their views of the now six-year-old de facto moratorium on fracking.

Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is shunned by the environmentalists that laud renewable energy sources. However, by not supporting both initiatives, they may be working at cross purposes. Natural gas, booming largely because of fracking, complements renewable energies on the grid. The two seemingly opposite technologies are, for the moment, inextricably linked.

UK government's fracking 'ban' has a convenient loophole  The Conversation UK

Biggest tremor on record at Little Plumpton site forces halt to fracking in Lancashire  Lancashire Evening Post

Fracking in the UK was doomed a decade ago – Tories have wasted precious time on a fossil fuel fantasy  The Conversation UK

The Ground Shakes Under Britain Again, Forcing the Government to Ban Fracking  Fortune

UK's only active fracking site near Blackpool records largest ever earth tremor as homeowners complain of windows shaking  iNews

Largest tremor yet detected at Lancashire fracking site  ITV News

Fracking: UK shale gas reserves 'significantly lower than previous estimates'  Energy Live News - Energy Made Easy

Fracking firm Cuadrilla signs secret deal with geological agency to 'destroy confidential documents'  iNews

Studies on fracking too often focus on its technical aspects, and not the wider environmental, economic and regulatory context needed for political decision-making, according to a review of existing research by a US researcher. The review provides a framework for understanding these complex issues that could benefit the fracking debate and decision-making about fracking more widely.

Funding for scientists, planners and inspectors should be available before any shale gas development begins, a new review recommends. As revenue for such staff is often provided by the development itself, planning, which is vital to provide immediate environmental protection as well as monitoring long-term impacts, is neglected. The researchers also advocate the use of 'adaptive management' as a decision-making framework for this complex issue.

Contamination of drinking water in areas close to several fracking sites in the Marcellus and Barnett Shales, USA, is caused by structural problems leading to wells leaking natural gas into aquifers, a new study suggests. The researchers measured trace amounts of chemicals, called noble gases, which formed signatures of the sources of gas contamination in over 130 samples. These findings suggest that, rather than coming from natural sources, such contamination in the area of the investigation is an engineering problem to do with the wells themselves, the researchers say. They stress the importance of ensuring the structural integrity of the wells, which can be done in an affordable manner.

While the ecological impact of shale gas exploration and extraction on groundwater has received considerable attention, the implications for surface water and terrestrial ecosystems is often overlooked, according to a new US study. Although more data are needed, preliminary results suggest that regulations based on proximity to surface water could be necessary to protect valuable ecosystems.

Wastewater produced by hydraulic fracturing, or ‘fracking’, has been chemically analysed in the most comprehensive study of its kind to date. The researchers found that produced water from three US fracking sites contained a diverse array of chemicals including toxic metals such as mercury and the carcinogens toluene and ethylbenzene. However, a group of harmful chemicals, ‘polyaromatic hydrocarbons’ commonly found in mining and coal extraction wastewater, were absent.

The Covid-19 pandemic, coupled with low oil prices, is likely to cause the largest monthly drop in fracking activity ever recorded in the United States, according to Rystad Energy.

Some shale producers said all they need is $30 oil to consider bringing back curtailed crude output.

Reuters investigates the growing trend of builders keeping hush about the severing of mineral rights attached to newly built homes.

Lax regulations, radioactivity and serious concerns about water contamination uncovered as part of New York Times investigation.

Wastewater storage from fracking may be causing earthquakes. For now, Arkansas is stopping operations.

A group of researchers at Cornell University finds that natural gas may not be as clean as originally thought.

A congressional hearing on the safety of hyrdo-fracking revealed a few rifts on Capitol HIll.

Gov. Tom Corbett takes swift action after TV investigation shows increased levels of bromide in Pennsylvania drinking water.

Despite leading the charge for voluntary disclosure of fracking chemicals, Chesapeake Energy is now resisting revealing what was spilled during a blowout in Pen

When the documentary 'Gasland' revealed an instance of flaming tap water, the gas industry tried to debunk it. A peer-reviewed study now confirms the finding.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo will recommend ending a ban on most horizontal drilling, according to reports. Here are three quick things to consider about the plan.

Earthquakes triggered by fluids injected deep underground, such as during the controversial practice of fracking, may be more common than previously thought, a

The new Artists Against Fracking makes a compelling case against opening up New York state to natural gas drilling. It's fuzzier about the energy sources that c

Film tells the fictional story of one small town's dealings with the natural gas industry — and the environmentalist out to stop it all from happening.

Pop star and social media powerhouse Lady Gaga encourages her millions of fans to support Yoko Ono's Artists Against Fracking campaign in New York.

Investigators find unhealthy and dead animals on 24 farms near natural gas drilling sites. The resulting paper is the first peer-reviewed study linking fracking

The Coast Guard is investigating a proposal to ship hydraulic fracturing 'fracking' wastewater on the Ohio River.

As exploration increases, employees often find themselves without adequate or affordable housing.

The Amish religion forbids lawsuits, locking families into deals that are often not in their favor.

A new study finds that drinking water quality near Marcellus shale gas extraction sites could be compromised.

Director Josh Fox accuses the energy industry and politicians of failing the American people.

Two Pennsylvania children, ages 7 and 10 have been permanently banned from talking about fracking.

A new study claims it isn't as bad as estimated, at least during one part of the process. But how much methane does leak during fracking?

Paterson vetoes anti-fracking bill, but at the same time extends a more narrowly written moratorium on fracking.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame supports the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce's anti-fracking position. Cooperstown is located in central New York, in the hea

Chesapeake Energy's Aubrey McClendon responds to a NYT report that suggests the natural gas industry is part of a Ponzi scheme.

'30 Rock' actor is the latest big name to go up against the natural gas industry.

It may be a largely symbolic victory for environmentalists, but many critics of hydraulic fracturing hope it will set an example for other states to follow.

Does 'fracking' need a new name? The slang for hydraulic fracturing sounds dirty and disconcerting — and now a study finds it even curbs support for the contr