Each year in the US, over 35,000 natural gas wells are drilled through a process called hydraulic fracturing (fracking). This process involves the underground injection of 1-8 million gallons of water per well, water that is laced with over 596 different chemicals. In 2005, Congress exempted oil and gas companies engaged in hydraulic fracturing from The Safe Drinking Water Act. Since 2005, there have been many cases involving the dumping of highly toxic waste water near watershed areas, harming local residence and wildlife. The EPA cannot investigate these cases since the ruling in 2005 prohibits it from doing so. If proponents of fracking are correct, that fracking does not harm the environment, then what harm can there be in requiring their compliance with The Safe Drinking Water Act?
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