Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals Act - Fall

Advisor: Kathleen Callahan 

This workshop project examines the Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals Act of 2011, which aims to address growing environmental and public health concerns associated with hydraulic fracturing. As technological advances have expanded shale gas extraction, the lack of federal regulation and limited transparency around chemical use have raised concerns about groundwater contamination and environmental risks. The report provides a detailed analysis of hydraulic fracturing processes, regulatory gaps, and stakeholder debates, highlighting the fragmented nature of state-level oversight and the absence of comprehensive federal standards.

To address these challenges, the project proposes a federal regulatory framework that classifies hydraulic fracturing under the Safe Drinking Water Act and mandates disclosure of chemical additives. The implementation plan centers on integrating fracturing operations into the EPA’s Underground Injection Control (UIC) program, supported by new data management systems and enhanced regulatory capacity. Key components include a phased rulemaking process, development of a public disclosure platform, and state-level capacity assessments to ensure consistent enforcement. The report also emphasizes the need to balance environmental protection with energy security and economic considerations. By introducing transparency and federal oversight, the proposed program aims to reduce uncertainty, improve risk management, and establish a more consistent regulatory framework for hydraulic fracturing across the United States.

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