American Natural Gas Security and Consumer Protection Act - Summer

The rapid expansion of hydraulic fracturing has transformed U.S. natural gas production, raising questions about environmental impacts, consumer pricing, and national energy security. S. 585 requires the Department of Energy to determine whether natural gas exports are consistent with the public interest, including impacts on domestic energy costs, greenhouse gas emissions, and environmental consequences of extraction. Scientific concerns examined in the report include groundwater contamination risks, methane leakage contributing to climate change, induced seismic activity, and large-scale water consumption associated with hydraulic fracturing.

The analysis concludes that while natural gas offers economic and energy security benefits, unregulated externalities pose significant risks to hydrologic, atmospheric, and geologic systems. Proposed policy and technological solutions include stronger environmental review requirements, methane emissions controls, wastewater treatment improvements, and enhanced disclosure of fracturing chemicals. The report emphasizes balancing economic gains from exports with safeguards to protect public health, environmental integrity, and long-term climate stability.

Learn more about the MPA-ESP Workshop in Applied Earth Systems Management.