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Environment

Fracking

Gas Drilling’s Environmental Threat

Vast deposits of natural gas have brought a drilling boom across much of the country, but the technique being used, called hydraulic fracturing, is suspected of causing hundreds of cases of water contamination. Now environmentalists and lawmakers are pushing for closer oversight of the gas industry, which is pushing back.

169 stories published since 2008

What You Need to Know About Hydrofracking

Drilling Industry and Gubernatorial Candidates Move to Weaken Some State Regulations

New York Senate Passes Temporary Ban on Hydraulic Fracturing

Why Gas Leaks Matter in the Hydraulic Fracturing Debate

Drilling Accountability Bill Would Regulate Fracturing Too

Information From Gas-Drilling Companies Isn't Coming Easily, Congressmen Say

Drilling Company Says It Will List Hazardous Chemicals Used in Fracking

For Gas-Drilling Data, There’s a New Place to Dig

A Fracking First in Pennsylvania: Cattle Quarantine

Gas Drilling: The Story So Far

Broad Scope of EPA’s Fracturing Study Raises Ire of Gas Industry

EPA Launches National Study of Hydraulic Fracturing

Gas Drillers Plead Guilty to Felony Dumping Violations

Congress Launches Investigation Into Gas Drilling Practices

Stimulus Speed Chart

Natural Gas Drilling: What We Don't Know

State Oil and Gas Regulators Are Spread Too Thin to Do Their Jobs

Drilling Wastewater Disposal Options in N.Y. Report Have Problems of Their Own

In New Gas Wells, More Drilling Chemicals Remain Underground

New York City Calls for Drilling Ban in Watershed, Rejects State Study

Colorado Towns Take Extra Measures to Protect Their Water From Gas Drilling

Underused Drilling Practices Could Avoid Pollution

Pa. Residents Sue Gas Driller for Contamination, Health Concerns

New Yorkers Tell State Enviro Department: 'No Fracking Way'

Congress Tells EPA to Study Hydraulic Fracturing

Is New York's Marcellus Shale Too Hot to Handle?

Pennsylvania Tells Drilling Company to Clean Up Its Act

Public Gets More Time to Comment on New York’s Gas Drilling Plans

Does Chesapeake’s No-Drilling Pledge Do Enough to Protect NYC’s Watershed?

Feisty Audience Tackles Natural Gas Drilling Report

Company Won't Drill in NYC Watershed

New York City Hints at Anti-Drilling Stance

New York Drilling Study a Step Forward

Gas Drilling Vs. Drinking Water: New York City Consultant's Report Sets Stage for Fight With Albany

With Natural Gas Drilling Boom, Pennsylvania Faces an Onslaught of Wastewater

Gas Execs Call for Disclosure of Chemicals Used in Hydraulic Fracturing

New York State Paves Way for Gas Drilling With Release of Environmental Review

Pennsylvania Orders Cabot Oil and Gas to Stop Fracturing in Troubled County

DEP Issues Citation to Pennsylvania Driller as a Third Spill Occurs

Frack Fluid Spill in Dimock Contaminates Stream, Killing Fish

EPA: Chemicals Found in Wyo. Drinking Water Might Be From Fracking

More Gas Contamination Affects Pennsylvania Residents

Water Problems From Drilling Are More Frequent Than PA Officials Said

Inhofe Defends Hydraulic Fracturing on Senate Floor

Democrats Call for Studies as Industry Assails Proposals to Regulate Hydraulic Fracturing

Energy Industry Sways Congress With Misleading Data

FRAC Act -- Congress Introduces Twin Bills to Control Drilling and Protect Drinking Water

Industry Defends Federal Loophole for Drilling Before Packed Congressional Hearing

Natural Gas Drilling Debate Heats Up

Natural Gas Politics

What We’re Watching

During Donald Trump’s second presidency, ProPublica will focus on the areas most in need of scrutiny. Here are some of the issues our reporters will be watching — and how to get in touch with them securely.

Learn more about our reporting team. We will continue to share our areas of interest as the news develops.

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Sharon Lerner

I cover health and the environment and the agencies that govern them, including the Environmental Protection Agency.

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Andy Kroll

I cover justice and the rule of law, including the Justice Department, U.S. attorneys and the courts.

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Melissa Sanchez

I report on immigration and labor, and I am based in Chicago.

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Jesse Coburn

I cover housing and transportation, including the companies working in those fields and the regulators overseeing them.

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