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Oil prices creep up as the global economy grows

Jan 25, 2018
With the world’s major economies chugging along, people are using more oil. That means more demand for crude, just as some places that supply it are cutting back. Some production cuts are intentional — like Saudi Arabia’s — but other hiccups in supply are due to political chaos, like Venezuela. If U.S. fracking steps up […]

"The public has a right to know": Fracking companies don't have to disclose chemicals linked to health concerns

Nov 15, 2017
With drilling and fracking, the ingredients that make up the chemicals used to obtain oil and gas are legally allowed to be kept confidential.
A natural gas drill at a hydraulic fracturing site on in Springville, Pennsylvania, in 2012.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

The link between fracking and health issues

Nov 15, 2017
Cause and effect can be difficult to prove, but here are a series of studies showing the potential connection between fracking and health risks.
A Cabot Oil & Gas natural gas drill stands at a hydraulic fracturing site in South Montrose, Pennsylvania. The process is controversial with critics who say it could poison water supplies, while the natural-gas industry says it's been used safely for decades.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Documents show undisclosed EPA health concerns on fracking chemicals

Nov 14, 2017
The agency approved chemicals that carry risks including tumors and poisoning of the lungs.
Pump jacks are seen using hydraulic fracturing, or fracking.
David McNew/Getty Images

Permian Basin oil find cheers U.S. drillers

Mar 7, 2017
Oil drilling and fracking are back in America — that’s the storyline out of the big annual oil industry confab in Houston this week. Crude oil prices have recovered from a two-year bust. The rigs are getting back to work. But a new location is the talk of the day. No, not Alberta, Canada, or […]

Corruption in the fossil fuel sector may get less prying eyes

Feb 1, 2017
The dismantling of coal, oil and gas industry regulations raises eyebrows and applause.

A look at energy policy in the age of Trump

Dec 23, 2016
Trump has promised to lift environmental restrictions on the energy sector.
 Supporters cheer for Donald Trump while he was on the campaign trail in West Virginia. 
Mark Lyons/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

EPA reverses course, highlights fracking contamination of drinking water

Dec 13, 2016
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today issued a final report on the connection between hydraulic fracturing and contamination in drinking water. After stressing in June 2015 that there was no "widespread, systematic impact" on water, the agency now is emphasizing that fracking can affect drinking water under some circumstances.
A natural gas well pad in Dimock, Pa.
Amanda Hrycyna for APM Reports

EPA's late changes to fracking study downplay risk of drinking water pollution

Nov 30, 2016
Early versions highlighted contaminated drinking water and vulnerabilities from fracking. The final version turned out differently: Fracking had not "led to widespread, systemic impacts." Oil and gas cheered the findings.
Ray Kemble holds two samples of well water from his neighborhood in Dimock, PA. He says the water was contaminated after fracking.
Amanda Hrycyna for APM Reports

Fracking draft from EPA criticized by scientists

Aug 12, 2016
The study concluded hydraulic fracturing isn't a danger to drinking water. Scientists say that's unproven.
The sun rises over an oil field used for hydraulic fracturing in California. 
David McNew/Getty Images