A Bloomberg News national poll reveals 65 percent of Americans favor tighter fracking rules. Poll findings mirror the results of hydraulic fracturing and shale drilling surveys recently completed in New York and Ohio. Although some respondents feel the process is safe and will spur the economy, the majority of participants believe fracking by the natural gas industry will create damage to the environment.
Here are some facts about the poll and chemicals used during the fracking process.
* According to Energy Department statistics published by Bloomberg, shale gas comprised 23 percent of U.S. energy production in 2010. Production forecasts estimate production to rise to 49 percent by 2035.
* My San Antonio reports that a gas companies may have to decrease drilling activity to meet proposed Environmental Protection Agency regulations. Pending federal fracking regulations could also cause the installation and purchase of drilling equipment to rise.
* Current shale exploration in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia are estimated to produce a six-year supply of gas for the nation, Bloomberg reports.
* Bloomberg poll results also note 18 percent of respondents felt less fracking regulation was necessary. A total of 17 percent of those polled "weren't sure" if shale drilling needed more or less regulation.
* Earth Works reports "some studies" report that 20 percent to 85 percent of fracking liquids remain in the ground after the rest of the hydraulic fracturing fluids rises to the surfaces as flowback. The fluid is then commonly stored in tanks or open pits while awaiting disposal transportation.
* The EPA is studying the impact of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water. The agency plans to release preliminary results on wastewater treatment standards later this year, according to Nasdaq.
