Critical Actors in the Fracking controversy
- Conservative leaning politicians and legislators (ex. Republican Senator Jim Inhofe, - The role of these politicians in the fracking debate is to essentially support the gas and oil industry in downplaying the potential negative consequences of hydraulic fracturing, as well as selling the idea that fracking could serve as a viable economic alternative to coal. They also aim to avoid the regulation of fracking by organizations such as the EPA. They also deny that any further scientific investigations should be undertaken to determine whether or not fracking is harmful enough to be regulated further or, in some cases, banned outright. Their influence in shaping this controversy stems from their political power in enacting and voting on legislation that could allow fracking to become less regulated and more normalized.
- The Natural Gas and Oil Industries- These companies practice hydraulic fracturing and their role in the controversy is to gain more supporters of fracking as well as claim legitimacy in their current fracking practices. Hydraulic fracturing is better for the environment and the economy than burning coal, according to these industries, so therefore the practice should be encouraged and not regulated. In shaping this controversy, these companies do everything they can do persuade the public that fracking is in the best interests of the common good.
- Independent scientists such as Robert Howarth- Robert Howarth is a professor of ecology and environmental biology at Cornell who conducted a study concluding that "shale gas developed through fracking carries a higher greenhouse gas footprint because the 'fugitive' methane emissions at the fracking sites are greater than releases from conventional gas wells" (the Hill Blog, Study: Gas from 'fracking' worse than coal on climate). Howarth opposes Industry backed experts/scientific information and questions assumptions that shale has could serve as a viable "bridge" fuel to alternative energy sources. His role in this controversy is to help clarify and more fully understand the effects of hydraulic fracturing to everyone involved in the controversy (which is pretty much everyone).
- Regulation Agencies (ex. Environmental Protection Agency)- These agencies determine how regulated the practice of fracking is, and serve to limit the natural gas and oil industries and the politicians which work together to expand the practice of fracking.