Could Fracking Controversy Slow the US Shale Gas Revolution?

摘要

Judging by their actions, US oil companies don't seem overly concerned that an intensifying debate over the safety of hydraulic fracturing could somehow slow America's shale gas revolution. In the last few weeks, Exxon Mobil and Marathon have each announced multibillion-dollar acquisitions of shale gas assets, even as the Obama administration has opened public hearings to weigh attitudes toward hydraulic fracturing - or "fracking" - the controversial shale gas drilling technique that has become a hot-button issue in Washington and several state capitals (EIF Jun.8' 11).