Despite being used frequently as a well-stimulation technique in California for over sixty years, hydraulic fracturing has attracted enormous public attention following the distribution of the docu-drama, Gasland in 2010. The policy discussions in California around hydraulic fracturing began in earnest in the California Legislature during the budget hearings for the Department of Conservation in March 2012. Prior to that period, hydraulic fracturing was considered by the Division of Oil, Gas and Geothermal Resources (DOGGR) to be one among several well stimulation techniques used regularly in California's oil and gas operations. And hydraulic fracturing as a regulatory issue was one among several key issues being addressed by the Division, including carbon capture and storage, H2S gas disposal, cyclic steaming in shallow diatomite, CEQA and land use challenges and other matters. Currently, the Department is working through a rulemaking process on hydraulic fracturing, and expects to complete this process sometime mid-year 2014. This keynote will discuss the scientific and technical challenges involved in the rulemaking process, and address some of the policy and political dynamics that have developed over the past two years with regard to hydraulic fracturing and other oil and gas production issues.

California's hydraulic fracturing laws and scientific studies: Science and politics

248th National Meeting (2014)

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