Fracking and Geologic Carbon Storage Can Safely Coexist

The author argues that geologic carbon storage and hydraulic fracturing can safely coexist in the U.S., asserting that a Princeton study erroneously ignored the vertical separation (depth) between storage reservoirs and shale gas formations. The text emphasizes that multiple impermeable layers often separate these activities and that regulatory oversight and 3D geologic studies can mitigate risks. Additionally, it notes that U.S. storage capacity is vast, including offshore sites and depleted petroleum formations, meaning shale gas activity will not impede carbon capture and storage development.

• The author contends that a Princeton study's conclusion regarding the incompatibility of fracking and carbon storage is flawed because it relies on a two-dimensional overlap and ignores the vertical separation of thousands of feet between formations.
• In the Illinois basin, carbon stored in deep saline aquifers would need to pass through nearly 7,000 feet of rock and multiple impermeable shale layers to reach the surface.
• Safe coexistence of CO2 storage and oil and gas operations is possible provided there is geologic review, ongoing monitoring, and regulatory oversight.
• The U.S. Department of Energy estimated in 2012 that geologic formations in the U.S. could provide 500 years of storage for North American CO2 emissions, totaling 2 to 20 trillion metric tonnes.
• U.S. CO2 storage capacity includes 120 billion tons in depleted petroleum-bearing formations and significant offshore capacity where shale gas extraction is unrealistic.

APA

Hill, B. (2012). Fracking and Geologic Carbon Storage Can Safely Coexist. Clean Air Task Force. https://www.catf.us/2012/06/fracking-and-geologic-carbon-storage-can-safely-coexist/

Chicago

Hill, Bruce. Fracking and Geologic Carbon Storage Can Safely Coexist. Clean Air Task Force, 2012. https://www.catf.us/2012/06/fracking-and-geologic-carbon-storage-can-safely-coexist/.

Wikipedia

{{cite press release |last1=Hill |first1=Bruce |title=Fracking and Geologic Carbon Storage Can Safely Coexist |publisher=Clean Air Task Force |date=7 June 2012 |url=https://www.catf.us/2012/06/fracking-and-geologic-carbon-storage-can-safely-coexist/ |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@misc{hill2012fracking, author = {Hill, Bruce}, title = {{Fracking and Geologic Carbon Storage Can Safely Coexist}}, publisher = {Clean Air Task Force}, year = {2012}, month = jun, url = {https://www.catf.us/2012/06/fracking-and-geologic-carbon-storage-can-safely-coexist/}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }