Fracking has unleased massive reserves of natural gas in the United States. The environmental impact of gas is a hot topic reports KUT News.
Supporters of natural gas say it’s better than coal when compared to climate change. It produces less carbon dioxide. Oppoents say the methane that escapes into the atmosphere when getting it out of the ground is worse that carbon dioxide.
A recent study by the University of Texas might have some solutions. The study found wells with certain kinds of pneumatic devices and plunger lifts create more methane emissions.
There’s also a correlation between higher emissions and the geographic location of the wells, the reservoir pressure of wells and the age of a well.
The study suggests tighter scrutiny or regulations may help lower emissions.
