Estimating Indirect Benefits: Fracking, Coal and Air Pollution

Abstract

Estimating Indirect Benefits: Fracking, Coal and Air Pollution *This paper estimates indirect benefits of improved air quality induced by hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking". The recent increase in natural gas supply led to displacement of coal-fired electricity by cleaner natural gas-fired generation. Using detailed spatial panel data comprising the near universe of US power plants, we find that coal generation decreased by 28%. Further, fracking decreased local air pollution by an average of 4%. We show that benefits vary geographically; air pollution levels decreased by 35% in the most affected region. Back of the envelope calculations imply accumulated health benefits of roughly $17 billion annually.

The Microbial Community and Functional Potential in the Midland Basin Reveal a Community Dominated by Both Thiosulfate and Sulfate-Reducing Microorganisms

“…Hydraulically fractured oil and natural gas are one of the world’s fastest growing major fuel sources and represent an essential energy source in the United States ( 1 , 2 ). While efforts to minimize greenhouse gas emissions have advanced, hydraulically fractured oil and natural gas have emerged as major replacements for coal and are an important gateway toward renewable energy sources ( 3 , 4 ). Advanced horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing technologies have contributed to increased yields as they can extract large quantities of oil and natural gas from previously impermeable shale formations ( 5 , 6 ).…”

The effect of policy narratives on policy elite versus public preferences for hydraulic fracturing regulation

“…While the increased production and consumption of fossil fuels has dramatically altered the U.S. energy sector, questions have arisen regarding the impacts of fracking practices as well as the overall implications of natural gas emissions on meeting future climate goals (Black et al, 2021). Fracking proponents cite the potential for economic growth, cost‐of‐living improvements, and energy independence, and note that fracking has the potential to be less environmentally harmful than old‐guard energy mainstays like coal (Apergis, 2019; Black et al, 2021; Johnsen et al, 2016). Opponents of fracking, on the other hand, cite many negative fracking‐related environmental impacts and risks, such as the potential for earthquakes, dangerous chemical exposure, groundwater pollution and overuse, and methane emissions (Conca, 2016; Hitaj et al, 2020).…”