"Promised Land" Drills into Fracking Debate

“Promised Land” – a new movie that portrays a fictional town’s efforts to resist fracking – is drawing renewed attention to the controversial drilling process by which energy companies extract natural gas from shale deposits.

Fracking is a technique that involves injecting chemicals, sand, and millions of gallons of water under high pressure directly into the ground to release the natural gas in shale formations. The cause for environmental concern around fracking (also known as hydraulic fracturing) is that the chemicals that are used in the process may contaminate groundwater and rivers and affect the health of the residents in the area.

Columbus Business First reports that the movie, starring Matt Damon, is making the oil and gas industry anxious about the negative publicity it is generating regarding fracking. The fracking movie is prompting the industry groups to initiate a website displaying testimonials from people who have gained from shale gas development in their area. The site is meant to present the industry’s view of the process.

While the industry paints a very positive picture of fracking, its detractors say that not enough has been said about the health and safety risks associated with the industry.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by contaminated water from fracking, contact Sokolove Law today for a free legal consultation and to find out if a personal injury lawyer may be able to help you.

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