Geology Reference
In-Depth Information
Howarth issued new data in 2012 that backed up his original findings, and noted:
“Compared to coal, the [climate] footprint of shale gas is at least 20 percent great-
er and perhaps more than twice as great on the 20-year horizon and is comparable
when compared over 100 years.” 84
Yet other studies conducted by the US Department of Energy and Carnegie Mel-
lon University show that emissions from shale gas are much smaller than Howarth
found. Research published by the EPA in 2012 put the figure at 2.2 percent, only a
little more than conventional gas, and its 2013 inventory reduced the agency's es-
timate further, to 1.5 percent. 85
Answering questions about the true impact of fugitive emissions is important
for both sides of the debate. As the International Energy Agency (IEA) cautions,
in its report “Golden Rules for a Golden Age of Gas”: “Greenhouse-gas emissions
must be minimized both at the point of production and throughout the entire natural
gas supply chain. Improperly addressed, these concerns threaten to curb, if not halt,
the development of unconventional resources.” 86
What Are the Consequences of Fugitive Emissions?
There have been cases where release of airborne substances tied to hydrofracking
has coincided with reports of health problems among residents. People living near
shale gas drilling pads complain anecdotally of headaches, diarrhea, nosebleeds,
dizziness, blackouts, muscle spasms, and other problems, as the documentary
GasLand made clear. But the evidence isn't always conclusive.
A 2011 study of air quality around natural gas sites in Fort Worth found no
health threats. But the air in DISH, Texas (a town that renamed itself in a market-
ing deal with a satellite company) was found to have elevated levels of disulphides,
benzene, xylenes, and naphthalene—harmful chemicals traced back to hydrofrack-
ers' compressor stations. 87
In Garfield County, Colorado, volatile organic compound emissions increased
30 percent between 2004 and 2006; during the same period there was a rash of
health complaints from local residents, ranging from headaches and nausea to ad-
renal and pituitary tumors. 88 But there are few, if any, epidemiological studies that
might show that hydrofracking caused these problems.
New technology and regulations could cut methane leakage to less than 1 per-
cent of total production and ensure that natural gas impacts the climate less than
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