ACTIVIST CLAIM: Weather Network article on natural gas production repeats activist myths about ‘fracking’.
THE FACTS: Modern natural gas production techniques are safe and effective at unlocking reliable energy – and natural gas can play critical role in reducing global emissions.
Fracking-induced earthquakes possible in these Canadian regions, study says
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Here are some facts to have a reasoned conversation about natural gas production:
- Modern natural gas production methods rarely create seismic activity that can be felt. It is usually wastewater disposal methods that trigger more seismic activity.
https://www.ipaa.org/fracking/ - When it comes to polluted well-water sources, it is usually naturally occurring, not resulting from natural gas production.
https://cogcc.state.co.us/cogis/ComplaintReport.asp?doc_num=200190138 - The fluids used to produce natural gas from tight deposits are made from 99% sand and water and need to be non-toxic. Companies must also disclose the composition of their fluids upon request and must keep a record of the type of fluids used in operations.
https://bcogc.ca/files/publications/Factsheets/Hydraulic-Fracturing-May-2020.pdf - Despite their calls for a wind-down of traditional fuel use, the International Energy Agency still agrees that natural gas maintains a climate benefit over other fuel sources, even at leakage rates far greater than what is currently documented.
https://www.iea.org/reports/the-role-of-gas-in-todays-energy-transitions
Stories that get it right:
This commentary is a result of that effort and describes the findings of two surveys, conducted by a reputable third-party (Environics Research) in each of 2021 and 2022, that polled Indigenous people about natural resource development. While support was not universal, nor unconditional, the surveys confirmed that a majority (65 percent) of Indigenous people across Canada do support resource development, and that their support can be enhanced through environmentally and socially responsible practices.
