THE FRACKING DEBATE
O
Raimi
Praise for
“A deft, fair analysis that clarifies the issues for both the general public and concerned policy makers.” Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Thomas B. Murphy, director, Penn State Marcellus Center for Outreach and Research
“Raimi’s book offers the most balanced, honest, and comprehensive account of fracking available, telling the story from all sides. Readers will appreciate the personal accounts from Raimi’s travels to far-flung oil fields coupled with in-depth yet accessible analysis of the science, regulations, and politics of the U.S. oil and gas boom.” Hannah Wiseman, Florida State University College of Law
Daniel Raimi is a senior research associate at Resources for the Future, focusing on energy and climate issues. He teaches energy policy at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan and is a faculty affiliate with the University of Michigan Energy Institute.
“The Fracking Debate cuts through the thicket of questions and viewpoints surrounding the shale revolution with balanced evidence and insight delivered through engaging stories. It’s a refreshing ride—refreshing because you get the clear sense you are learning with the author as he seeks the truth about the shale boom.” Richard Newell, president and CEO, Resources for the Future
“The Fracking Debate is the most user-friendly resource on the key policy questions around hydraulic fracturing I have come across. Raimi tackles all of the hot-button topics surrounding fracking concisely and in plain language. This belongs on the bookshelf of every local elected official and state legislator who is grappling with hydraulic fracturing.” Matthew Lepore, director, Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission
“ ‘Fracking’ signifies a blessing or curse depending on who’s saying it. In truth, it’s both. Raimi methodically explores the risks and rewards of a technical revolution that has made the United States the largest producer of oil and gas in the world once again. A thoughtful and accessible look at a highly contentious and generally misunderstood subject.”
THE FRACKING DEBATE
“This fair and unbiased book, holistic in its range and robust in its depth, provides a nuanced but accessible understanding of the shale revolution.”
THE FRACKING DEBATE The Risks, Benefits, and Uncertainties of the Shale Revolution
Mark S. Brownstein, Environmental Defense Fund
cup.columbia .edu | printed in the u.s. a .
Jacket design: Jordan Wannemacher Jacket image: Mark Thiessen/Getty Images Author photo: Story Photographers
columbia
columbia universit y press | new york
ISBN: 978-0-231-18486-1
Center
on
Global Energy Policy Series
9 780231 184861
Daniel Raimi
ver roughly the past decade, oil and gas production in the United States has surged dramatically—thanks largely to technological advances such as highvolume hydraulic fracturing, more commonly known as “fracking.” This rapid increase has generated widespread debate, with proponents touting economic and energy-security benefits and opponents highlighting the environmental and social risks of increased oil and gas production. Despite the heated debate, neither side has a monopoly on the facts. In this book, Daniel Raimi gives a balanced and accessible view of oil and gas development, clearly and thoroughly explaining the key issues surrounding the shale revolution. The Fracking Debate directly addresses the most common questions and concerns associated with fracking: What is fracking? Does fracking pollute the water supply? Will fracking make the United States energy independent? Does fracking cause earthquakes? How is fracking regulated? Is fracking good for the economy? Coupling a deep understanding of the scholarly research with lessons from his travels to every major U.S. oil- and gas-producing region, Raimi highlights stories of the people and communities affected by the shale revolution, for better and for worse. The Fracking Debate provides the evidence and context that have so frequently been missing from the national discussion of the future of oil and gas production, offering readers the tools to make sense of this critical issue.