Seismicity is defined in the dictionary as the frequency, intensity, and distribution of earthquakes in a given area also referenced as earthquake swarms. Central Oklahoma, where I now reside, is definitely meeting that definition.
As of this writing, there have been 21 earthquakes in Oklahoma in the past seven days. Most of the earthquake activity is located in central Oklahoma. In fact, Oklahoma has had several hundred earthquakes in the past year.
A question that is often addressed, “does hydraulic fracturing cause earthquakes?”
First, the history of hydraulic fracturing: Hydraulic fracturing was first commercially used over sixty years ago primarily for drilling conventional wells. Then in the late 90s the combination of hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling were introduced. According to The Horinko Group, “the process of hydraulic fracturing is used today in more than 90% of new oil and natural gas wells in the US. Industry estimates show that hydraulic fracturing has been applied to more than one million wells nationwide in thirty three states where oil and gas production occurs.”
The oil and gas industry has been providing information to the public that is clear and concise about the use of hydraulic fracturing. Two years ago, I stated in my book “America Needs America’s Energy: Creating Together the People’s Energy Plan” that hydraulic fracturing and/or horizontal drilling were probably not the cause of the earthquakes. Today, the focus is on injection wells. There is definitely the need for more research to determine if the earthquakes are by natural causes or may be man-made causes. The US oil and gas industry is taking a lead in supporting these research efforts.
It should also be kept in mind in the research effort that there have been earthquakes in Virginia and South Carolina where there is no oil and gas activity. There is also research being conducted on the comparison of increased activity in Oklahoma that occurred during the 1950s with today’s increased activity.
The public is demanding leadership. The US oil and gas industry is providing the leadership. It is good to see many oil and gas leaders stepping forward on this issue.
Economic development and national energy security are so very important to each of us. If there are indeed direct issues regarding water disposal wells the US oil and gas industry must and will work together to lessen the risks. In the meantime, America Needs America’s Energy and we must and will find ways to keep our young men and young women on American soil instead of protecting energy interests abroad.
I do not believe that moratoriums on drilling are answers. Disposal wells are an important part of the oil and gas industry’s success. The reusing of water is at the forefront. Therefore, limiting the use of fresh water in the hydraulic fracturing is essential.
The US oil and gas industry is using best practices regarding the environment. With the best practices, there are research needs and the sharing of the legal, technical and other areas for proper long term planning.
The Horinko Group states “Given the country’s resources and its technical capabilities for developing them, by 2035 the US shale gas industry is expected to support 1.6 million jobs, contributing more than $231 billion to GDP, and $57 billion in government revenues.”
The US oil and gas industry will work and is working to provide energy efficiency and environmental preservation. The US can’t afford to follow the path of Germany which has proposed to ban fracking until 2021. Our country and “Germany should not be at the mercy of Vladimir Putin, who repeatedly uses Europe’s energy dependence on Russia to the Kremlin’s advantage”, as a Wall Street Journal editorial stated. America must stay the course of achieving energy independence!
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