The New F Word–Fracking

North Carolina sits atop a treasure trove. Natural gas deposits, located in geographical formations, are buried less than a mile deep in Lee, Chatham, Durham, Wake and Orange Counties. So far around 1,400 square miles of natural gas has been confirmed, which could power the states energy needs for over 40 years.

"We think it's commercially significant," James Simons the state geologist said. "These deposits could extend further than we think. It could be a lot more."

As of right now it is illegal in North Carolina to participate in the practice of hydrolic fracturing or "fracking." This process is used to obtain the natural gas by pumping water, mixed with chemicals, under high pressure into the earth to open up fractures and release the gas.

The discovery of natural gas deposits in and around the Triangle has led the North Carolina Legislature to consider overturning the ban. North Carolinians have the potential to cash in to the natural gas craze but it could come at a cost.

Here are some articles that discuss the process of hydrolic fracturing and the impact, both negatively and positively, it could have in North Carolina if the ban were to be lifted.

• The News & Observer Article: This article is extremely helpful because it is written by a local newspaper in North Carolina. The main point of the story is about the natural gas deposits in North Carolina and the process of hydrolic fracturing. It does an excellent job of containing information that pertains to the state of North Carolina. In addition, when it brings in information from other states it directly relates to North Carolina.
• Daily Tar Heel Article: The DTH hits the nail on the head with this article. It discusses the conflict that has ensued, and could grow even larger, if North Carolina seriously considered overturning the ban on hydrolic fracturing. It includes quotes from those who support drilling for natural gas and those who believe that there are risks to the practice. 
• Reesenews Article: Reesenews provides facts and information about fracking and the impacts it could have on North Carolina. Similarly to the N&O article is contains information from other areas that pertains to NC.
• Huffington Post: The Huffington Post provides a series of pictures with blurbs at the bottom about the pros and the cons of fracking. It's short and to the point with its information, which is great for the reader to understand and grasp the topic. 
•   EPA: The Environmental Protection Agency is one of the most trusted resources for facts, and the truth, about environmental issues. Although some would not agree with them, the EPA does what it thinks is best for Americans. This blurb talks about what the federal government defines as fracking and why it is exempt from the Safe Drinking Act and Clean Water Act. 
• CBS "60 Minutes": "60 Minutes" did a report on fracking. It is an excellent way to learn about the process if one does not feel like reading about it. As always "60 Minutes" attempts to show both sides of the story.
• University of Texas Austin: The University of Texas recently conducted a study on the environmental impacts of fracking. The report and the most basic findings can be found here.   

As always there are two sides to every story. There are benefits and consequences of fracking. North Carolina needs to seriously weigh the benefits of allowing fracking, and if it does be willing to mitigate as much as possible the negative effects. It is important as North Carolinians to pay attention to whats going on and to be informed citizens.