Since its development in the 1940s and its massive spread since the 2000s, fracking has contributed significantly to the energy independence of the United States, transforming areas such as the Bakken in North Dakota or the shale formations in Pennsylvania into veritable black gold mines. Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, is a technique used for the extraction of oil and natural gas that has transformed the global energy landscape. It involves injecting water, sand and chemicals at high pressure into rock formations to increase their permeability and release trapped hydrocarbons. However, the technique has raised serious environmental concerns, including the risks of induced earthquakes, contamination of groundwater and the emission of greenhouse gases. These issues have stimulated public debates and specific regulations in several regions. Globally, fracking has reignited debates on energy security and environmental sustainability, positioning itself at the centre of a complex web of economic, political and environmental.



Impact of Fracking in the Bakken Oil Field
The Bakken oil field, located between North Dakota, Montana and Saskatchewan, has become famous for its fracking oil extraction technique, which has led to an economic revolution and environmental controversy. Since 2008, when production surged, the region has seen a significant increase in employment and infrastructure investment. However, the environmental impact has been considerable: increasing greenhouse gas emissions, high water consumption and groundwater contamination. A 2015 report by the U.S. Geological Survey raised estimates of recoverable oil in the Bakken, confirming its economic potential but amplifying ecological concerns.Fracking in this region is estimated to use approximately 2-4 million gallons of water per well, compromising local water resources. The socioeconomic transformation includes an increase in population and services, but also an increase in crime and social tensions, as highlighted by recent studies on local demography and economics. Landscape degradation and the risk of induced earthquakes represent additional challenges to the sustainability of these practices.

Seismic challenges: the fate of the Basel plant
The Basel geothermal plant, which went into operation in the early 2000s, was one of the first in Europe to use fracking to increase geothermal energy production. However, this innovative technology led to an unexpected series of seismic events in the Basel region, a city with a complex and vulnerable geological history. On December 8, 2006, a magnitude 3.4 earthquake generated by the of the plant shook the city, causing not only physical damage but also growing concern among residents. Seismic data collected showed a clear increase in earthquakes in the area, directly attributed to fracking activities. Subsequently, a series of smaller tremors continued to worry the community, culminating in a strong public debate about the safety and ethics of using fracking. Finally, in 2009, the authorities decided to permanently suspend the project, in response to public pressure and recommendations from geology and seismology experts.This episode has strengthened the global debate on the implications of fracking, especially in seismically sensitive regions, raising important questions about risk management and sustainable energy.



Environmental impacts of fracking
Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, is a technique used to extract oil and gas that involves the injection of water, sand and chemicals into the subsurface at high pressure to fracture rock formations and allow the flow of hydrocarbons. This practice presents significant environmental risks, including pollution of groundwater and impacts on local biodiversity. Studies have shown that fluids used in fracking can contaminate groundwater, introducing heavy metals, radioactive substances and other toxic pollutants. A case in point is the case documented in Pennsylvania, where groundwater pollution is been directly linked to frackingBeyond water, the integrity of terrestrial ecosystems is also at riskThe creation of infrastructure and the continuous movement of machinery and materials significantly alter local habitats, threatening biodiversityHabitat fragmentation, for example, can isolate animal populations, limiting movement and reducing genetic diversityThese long-term impacts raise serious concerns about the future environmental conditions of fracked areas, urging in-depth reflection on policies and practices.


Photo By Bruce Gordon at EcoFlight
Fracking: legislative gaps and controversies
The fracking process, although much discussed for its environmental impacts, continues to thrive thanks to specific legislative gapsIn several countries, regulations on the exploitation of hydrocarbons are not adequately updated with respect to new extraction technologies such as fracking. In the United States, for example, the law known as the Energy Policy Act of 2005 contains a section often referred to as the ’Halliburton Loophole’, which exempts fracking from regulation under the Safe Drinking Water Act for certain chemicals injected underground. This exemption has allowed numerous companies to bypass more stringent environmental standards, facilitating an almost uncontrolled expansion of the industry. This practice has led to several cases of legal disputes, as evidenced by the proliferation of lawsuits relating to groundwater contamination and environmental damage in various regions of the USA. Companies such as Chesapeake Energy and Range Resources have often been at the center of these disputes, having to face fines and penalties for their practices. These cases show not only the shortcomings of current laws, but also how some companies exploit these loopholes to make enormous economic profit, often at the expense of public health and of the environment.

Towards a more responsible future: Impact and innovations in fracking
The fracking process, or hydraulic fracturing, used to extract oil and gas, has raised significant environmental concerns, including water contamination, greenhouse gas emissions and induced seismicity. In response, emerging technologies, legislative reforms and civil resistance movements are seeking to address and mitigate these negative impacts. Technologies such as waterless hydraulic fracturing or the use of non-toxic fluids promise to reduce groundwater pollution and harmful emissions.Likewise, legislative reforms could impose more stringent standards on water quality and emissions reporting, while civil resistance movements continue to raise public awareness and push for a transition to renewable energy. If these solutions were widely adopted, they could not only reduce environmental impacts, but also foster broader sustainable development, creating a cleaner and more responsible energy sector.