Journal of Science Policy & Governance
Volume 24, Issue 01 | April 30, 2024

Policy Position Paper:  Mitigating the Invasive Method of Hydraulic Fracturing Through a Phase Out Policy Plan​

Ashlynn Moretti (1), Madilyn Cianci (2), Mina Kimak (1), Savannah Johns (3) 
  1. University of Pittsburgh, Department of Geology and Environmental Science, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
  2. University of Pittsburgh, Department of Communication, Pittsburgh, PA, USA 
  3. University of Pittsburgh, Department of Biological Studies, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
​
Corresponding author: [email protected] ​​
Keywords: hydraulic fracturing; energy security; regulation; climate change; fossil fuels
https://doi.org/10.38126/JSPG240111 ​

Executive Summary

Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is a process used to extract natural gas from shale deposits deep below the surface. Fracking is heralded as a “clean” energy source compared to other extraction methods due to comparatively low carbon emissions. The fracking industry decreases the U.S.’s dependence on foreign nations for energy and brings valuable job opportunities when sites are first established; however, affected communities do not experience the benefits of these economic “booms” for long. Concerns like increased cancer risk from air and water contamination are linked to fracking activity. Fracking operators are not required to disclose the contents of ‘proprietary’ fracking fluids used in extraction, which are known to contain chemicals that threaten public and environmental health. Fracking has detrimental effects on national public health and contributes to climate change through elevated methane emissions. Therefore, to help mitigate these challenges, we recommend a phase out plan including 1) increasing setback requirements and eliminating any exemptions, 2) managing methane (CH₄) leakages and improving monitoring systems on all sites, 3) mandating disclosure reports, and 4) mandating the collection of preliminary data to facilitate a bottom-up approach to management. We use Pennsylvania as a case study due to the state’s prevalence of fracking and the current policies and regulations in place for drilling

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Background header image courtesy of NIEHS
Ashlynn Moretti is an Undergraduate student at the University of Pittsburgh in the Department of Geology and Environmental Science. She will graduate this spring with degrees in Environmental Studies and Communication Rhetoric, as well as a certificate and distinction in Sustainability. Ashlynn plans on going to graduate school to study Fisheries Science and research the impacts of climate change on marine/aquatic conservation and management efforts. 

Madilyn Cianci is an Undergraduate student at the University of Pittsburgh in the Department of Communication. She enjoys studying the philosophy of rhetoric and practicing mindfulness. After graduating in 2024, Madilyn plans to attend law school focusing on environmental and constitutional law. 

Mina Kimak is an Undergraduate student at the University of Pittsburgh in the Department of Geology and Environmental Science. She is interested in issues of environmental justice and will be graduating in 2024 with a degree in Environmental Studies, with an academic focus on political science and sustainability. 

Savannah Johns is an Undergraduate student at the University of Pittsburgh in the Department of Biological Sciences. She enjoys doing plant research, specifically with invasive species. She graduated with a BS in Biological Sciences and a BA in Law, Criminal Justice, and Society. She plans to go to law school and is planning on studying Environmental Law, in hopes of making our environment cleaner and more accessible to the public. 

Acknowledgements 
We would like to thank Dr. Patrick Shirey, the professor of the Environmental Law and Policy class at the University of Pittsburgh, as well as fellow student Leah Thomas, for providing essential feedback and support in the composition of this manuscript.

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