Fixing Fracking?

One of the major problems with fracking is the leaking of methane, which is the primary ingredient in natural gas, and, when it is burned, is considerably less dirty than coal. However, before it is burned if it should get into the atmosphere (which is just about a certainty), it is 84 to 86 times more powerful than carbon dioxide over a 20-year span.

Studies have shown that there are forty separate types of equipment - such as Loose pipe flanges. Leaky storage tanks. Condenser valves stuck open. Outdated compressors. Inefficient pneumatic systems. Corroded pipes. - that can produce methane emissions during the production and processing of natural gas and oil by fracking.

Lowering methane emissions does not require enormously expensive new technology. It can be done with technology that already exists and at fairly minimal cost, perhaps as low as a penny. Furthermore, a 50 percent reduction in methane emissions is the equivalent to closing 90 coal-fired power plants, according to the Environmental Defense Fund.

One state, Colorado, is doing something about it. They have imposed regulations aimed at reducing methane emissions. And industry has gone along with them. Some quotes “we could see the benefit of the rules.” “It really puts a very disciplined process around regular maintenance.”