Latest Articles

Mapping the Invisible Threat: Emissions from Oil and Gas

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Hazardous air emissions in Pennsylvania are often hidden, leaking from abandoned wells, seeping from pipelines, and wafting invisibly into the air. This analysis utilizes new technologies and mapping tools to reveal the full scope of the problem and identify areas of particular concern in the state.

How Fracking Bans Protect Communities and the Environment

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This article looks at the contrasting approach to fracking in Pennsylvania and New York. Pennsylvania’s extensive fracking operations have resulted in environmental and public health concerns. In contrast, New York’s ban on fracking has led to significant investments in renewable energy and permanent jobs.

Pennsylvania Oil and Gas Industry Trends: Drilled Wells, Violations, Production, and Waste

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This article looks at trends in the oil and gas industry in Pennsylvania, including the number of drilled wells, violations that have been issued, oil and gas production, and waste generation. We also point out examples of how data limitations make it challenging to answer frequently asked questions.

A Closer Look at Risks of the Appalachian Hydrogen Hub

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The U.S. Department of Energy's ARCH2 hydrogen hub project presents substantial risks to the environment and human health and safety.
FracTracker Alliance, 2024

Falcon Pipeline Criminal Charges Explained

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On April 19, 2024, Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry charged Shell Pipeline Company LP with 13 misdemeanor charges for failure to report or underreporting industrial waste releases during the construction of the Falcon Pipeline in Pennsylvania.
Photo by David Nix 2015

The Importance of Surveying Rural Landowners in North Dakota on Fracking

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There is a need for more research on the human impact of the oil and gas industry in North Dakota, particularly on landowners and farmers, to understand their experiences and address their concerns effectively.

Exploring the Fallout of Precision Scheduled Rail: A Rail Worker’s Perspective on Precision Scheduled Rail

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Precision scheduled rail has raised concerns about safety and infrastructure degradation, with railroads focusing on cutting costs at the expense of maintaining a robust network.
Oil train - Photo by Washinton House Democrats

Exploring the Fallout of Precision Scheduled Rail: How Precision Scheduled Rail Led to One of the Worst Environmental Disasters in US History

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Rail incidents like the East Palestine disaster underscore the urgent need for the rail industry to prioritize safety and compliance over profit-driven agendas.

Youngstown Residents Stand Against Pyrolysis Plant: A Community’s Fight for Environmental Justice

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The story of SOBE Concerned Citizens and their fight against a pyrolysis plant in Youngstown, Ohio, is a testament to the power of community action in achieving environmental justice.
Fracking drilling rig in Washington County, Pennsylvania

Not-So-Radical Transparency: An Ineffective and Unnecessary Partnership Between Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro and the Gas Company CNX

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CNX’s “radical transparency” data provides incomplete information and heavily downplays the dangers of fracking.
https://www.kvpr.org/post/dormant-risky-new-state-law-aims-prevent-problems-idle-oil-and-gas-wells

California Must Improve Management of Idle Wells

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California’s current regulations under AB 2729 have been inadequate to reduce the state’s counts of idle wells. This issue needs to be addressed immediately, before the state of California is exposed to additional economic risk.

Holes in FracFocus

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An Open-FF analysis reveals how comprehensive regulatory and reporting reforms are imperative to closing holes in FracFocus data and holding the oil and gas industry accountable for its impacts.
Sarah Jessie Liez, FracTracker Alliance, 2024

The Power of Misinformation in Blocking Clean Energy Reform

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In this article, FracTracker’s Communications Intern Sarah Liez discusses the role of misinformation as an obstacle to clean energy reform and how it stalls initiatives aimed at transitioning to renewable sources of power.
FracTracker Alliance, 2024

Mapping PFAS Chemicals Used in Fracking Operations in West Virginia

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FracTracker mapped data for a report by Physicians for Social Responsibility that sheds light on the oil and gas industry’s use of hazardous “forever chemicals” in West Virginia.

Empowering Colorado Communities: The Importance of the Community Right to Know Act

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Communities in Colorado should be immediately informed of oil and gas spills that increase their health risks. Our analysis shows why public health alerts are particularly important for communities located near extraction operations.
California well pad

Chevron’s $2.3 Billion Asset Adjustment Raises Questions Amidst Regulatory Changes in California

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Information disclosed in Chevron’s 2023 Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) Form 10-K filed on February 26, 2024, suggests Chevron was hoping to eventually offload its idle wells to a limited liability company to avoid the cost of properly decommissioning its wells in California.
FracTracker Alliance, 2024

Data Gaps: A Critical Examination of Oil and Gas Well Incidents in Ohio

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Over the past five years, over 1,400 incidents associated with oil and gas wells occurred in Ohio. Many incidents were not accurately categorized, meaning much of the data understates the severity of records.
Graphic by Sarah Jessie Liez, 2024

Fossil Fashion: How Oil and Gas Fuel the Fashion Industry

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Fast fashion relies heavily on synthetic materials and nonrenewable energy sources, leaving behind significant environmental footprints and often involving unethical labor practices.
Ross incinerator in Eaton Township. Photo by Ted Auch, FracTracker Alliance, 2023

Stop Toxic Threat: A Heavy Industrial Zoning Battle

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The Norfolk Southern train derailment in February 2023 ignited a battle for public health, safety, and welfare over 100 miles away in Eaton Township, Ohio.
Ted Auch, FracTracker Alliance, 2023

Where Do We Cross the Line: From Public Service to Public Threat

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As industry expands within the primarily residential and agricultural community of Eaton Township, Ohio, community members wonder if the EPA and local government are doing enough to protect human health and the environment.
Ross Environmental Hazardous Waste Incinerator in Eaton Township, Ohio. Ted Auch, FracTracker Alliance, 2023

East Palestine Warning: The Growing Threat From Hazardous Waste Storage

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Is the gradual increase in hazardous waste storage and incineration expansion in Eaton Township, Ohio, fueling a preventable future disaster?
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