Where are the presidential candidates on the contentious issue of fracking?
The American energy renaissance was sparked by innovations in fracking, a process that has allowed great extraction of oil and natural gas from shale formations. But fracking is not without its controversy. Some people argue that fracking has contaminated drinking water supplies. Others assert that the injection of water into the ground has increased seismic activity in some areas. Environmental groups complain that fracking promotes continued use of fossil fuels which contribute to climate change.
As early as 2012, Donald Trump expressed support for fracking because it resulted in abundant domestic natural gas supplies. Throughout the campaign he has strongly advocated for policies aimed at promoting energy production especially oil, gas and coal. In July 2016, Trump argued that state and municipalities should be allowed to ban the practice in individual communities, a position that is strongly opposed by the oil and gas industry. However, one of his surrogates, oil magnate Harold Hamm, argued that Trump misspoke and that the candidate supports robust fracking. Trump's policy papers are less specific on that particular point, but clearly state his interest in reducing regulations on the oil and gas production and "unleashing" new production of fossil fuels.
As Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton supported fracking and the production of natural gas in many developing countries as a cleaner alternative to coal. During the Democratic primary race against Bernie Sanders - a staunch opponent of fracking - Clinton narrowed her support for the practice. In March 2016, she added three caveats on fracking: first, states and localities should be able to ban the practice. Second, the industry should be required to disclose all of the chemicals used in its fracking. And third, she would oppose any project where fracking causes water contamination or methane releases.