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First recorded use of experimental hydrualic fracturing
This experimental usage took place in the year 1947 (exact date unknown) in Grant County, Texas by Stanolind Oil and Gas Corporation. Montgomery & Smith, (2010) -
First two commercial hydraulic fracturing treatments
Halliburton performed the first two commercial hydraulic fracturing treatments in Oklahoma and Texas. Montgomery & Smith (2010) -
First high-volume hydrofracturing treatment in U.S
Pan American Petroleum, Stephens County, Oklahoma Montgomery & Smith, 2010 -
Introduction of massive hydraulic fracturing methods by Amaco
Wattenburg Gas Field, Colorado. Fast, C. R., G. B. Holman, and R. J. Covlin. "The Application of Massive Hydraulic Fracturing to the Tight Muddy." (1977). -
Safe Drinking Water Act enacted
The Safe Water and Drinking Act was passed to ensure that Americans had safe drinking water though the regulation of water systems. However, it was ruled that hydrofracking did not fall under the regulations set forth. Public Law 93-523 - Safe Drinking Water Act (1974) -
The first US funded research of hydraulic fracturing
In 1976, the US government funded the creation of the Eastern Gas Shales Project, which was the first federally funded research into hydraulic fracturing which were designed to demonstrate its effectiveness. NETL, 2007. p.22 -
Rise of Horizontal Drilling Techniques
The rise of horizontal drilling techniques (see image attached) became more widespread throughout the 1990's. NYS DEC, 2011. Image courtesy of Brad Cole, Geology.com -
First economically effective shale application
Union Pacific Resources introduced the use of slickwater fracturing which made hydraulic fracturing using shale economically effective for the first time. Shellenberger et. al, 2012 -
Ruling on Safe Drinking Water Act
The eleventh circuit court ruled that hydraulic fracturing could not be stopped according to it meeting the guidlines of the Safe Drinking Water Act. Tiemann, 2013 -
Most current form of fracking used
(Exact date Unknown): The most current hydraulic fracturing method (deep fracking) was first introduced in the Barnett Shale in Texas. Wang et. al, 2007.
Image courtesy of Mike Norton, 2012. -
Massive scale use of hydraulic fracturing methods for natural gas export
Natural gas production rose consideribly during the late 1990's-mid 2000's as shale drilling techniques became more widespread. Tiemann, 2013. p.2 -
Energy Policy Act
Signed into law by George W. Bush, provided tax incentives and loan guarantees for energy production, which expanded limits on fracking which came from other acts. Public Law 109–58109th Congress (2005) -
Hydraulic fracturing activity rises in Marcellus shale region
After reports indicate that the Marcellus Shale potentially has the largest natural gas reserve in the United States, the development of drilling practices in the region increased greatly. U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2012
Image Courtesy of Penn State Marcellus Center, 2010 -
Congress requests the EPA studies hydraulic fracturing
At the request of Congress, EPA announced plans to develop a comprehensive research study on the potential impact of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water resources. Environmental Protection Agency (2012) -
Pennsylvannia spill
he first large scale spill/well blowout in the US released hydraulic fracturing liquids into nearby wildlife (a reported 35,000 gallons) -
Fracking study begins.
EPA begins study on potential harm of fracking, to be completed and published to general public in 2014. Environmental Protection Agency (2012) -
Federal Regulations on Hydraulic Fracturing (Senate Bill 315)
The US government passed updated regulations on Hydraulic Fracturing on federal lands, although it was found most wells were already exceeding the new regulations. The bill was also highly critiqued for the allowance of loopholes. 129th General Assembly, 2012 -
D&L hydrofracking licenses revoked in Ohio
State investigator recieves a tip and finds employees of D&L Energy dumping waste illegally. Tribune Chronicle, 2013
