What the [is] frack!?!
Wed. April 20th 6:00pm-9:00 the SEA will be screening Gasland in the Environmental Interpretive Center at the University of Michigan-Dearborn:
Gasland is a documentary concerning Hydraulic fracturing (fracking)--a means of natural gas extraction within deep natural gas well drilling. Once a well is drilled, millions of gallons of potable (drinking) water, along with sand and proprietary chemicals are injected under high pressure into a well. The pressure fractures shale rock and props open fissures that enable natural gas to flow more freely out of the well.
Join us to examine the topic at hand, as well as the documentary itself--how are the issues communicated? What does it mean to all of us as citizens and consumers of media and energy? Also important to consider: what alternatives can we pursue to minimize our dependence on fossil fuel extraction and consumption altogether?
Awareness of this process and issue is especially relevant to us because Michigan and the Great Lakes basin are prime locations for natural gas extraction, and several communities have reported affliction (see USGS/EIA maps below for existing natural gas locations).
Furthermore, it's ongoing at present within our state.
Gasland has been subject to several criticisms. See some from:
1. Energy In Depth--a blog assembled by a collection of U.S. Natural Gas and Oil producers
2. Blogger Kirian Stacey of the Financial Times
3. Ongoing discussion by insightful folks at the Oil Drum (see comments near the end for people who actually worked in the industry and/or watched the film)--some of whom claim that the criticisms from Energy In Depth can be rebuked
We'll try to make sense of them and weigh out its merits with some geology, environmental science, sensibility, and civility.
1. Energy In Depth--a blog assembled by a collection of U.S. Natural Gas and Oil producers
2. Blogger Kirian Stacey of the Financial Times
3. Ongoing discussion by insightful folks at the Oil Drum (see comments near the end for people who actually worked in the industry and/or watched the film)--some of whom claim that the criticisms from Energy In Depth can be rebuked
We'll try to make sense of them and weigh out its merits with some geology, environmental science, sensibility, and civility.
Join us to examine the topic at hand, as well as the documentary itself--how are the issues communicated? What does it mean to all of us as citizens and consumers of media and energy? Also important to consider: what alternatives can we pursue to minimize our dependence on fossil fuel extraction and consumption altogether?
Trailer:
Please join us at this fracking party, popcorn and beverages will be served at the event, so it's a fine opportunity to stop by and take a break from your studies!! Please RSVP to greenwolverines (at) ymail (dot) com
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