The science is now clear: fracking DOES cause earthquakes. For an explanation, see “How Oil and Gas Disposal Wells Can Cause Earthquakes” and “Fracking and Earthquakes.” Yes, the earthquakes triggered by fracking so far have been either mild or moderate. However, scientists suggest that it could cause a major, even catastrophic, one (see “Could Fracking Cause a Major Earthquake?“)
This fairly new way to pull oil out of the ground is helping our country toward energy independence and bringing down gas prices. But at what cost to the Earth and, ultimately, to human life?