EPA’s Hydraulic Fracturing Study

Primary Study Documents from Environmental Protection Agency

The following resources present a collection of regulatory activity that addresses the development of EPA’s Hydraulic Fracturing Study. Where possible, the Center has provided viewable copies of these regulatory activities. Nevertheless, it may be necessary to access some of these materials through an online legal research database.

Hydraulic Fracturing for Oil and Gas: Impacts from the Hydraulic Fracturing Water Cycle on Drinking Water Resources in the United States (Main Report) (Dec. 13, 2016)

• Hydraulic Fracturing for Oil and Gas: Impacts from the Hydraulic Fracturing Water Cycle on Drinking Water Resources in the United States (Executive Summary)
• Hydraulic Fracturing for Oil and Gas: Impacts from the Hydraulic Fracturing Water Cycle on Drinking Water Resources in the United States (Appendices)

Assessment of the Potential Impacts of Hydraulic Fracturing for Oil and Gas on Drinking Water Resources, Draft Assessment (Jun. 4, 2015) 

• Press Release: EPA Releases Draft Assessment on the Potential Impacts to Drinking Water Resources from Hydraulic Fracturing Activities (Jun. 4, 2015)

Press Release: EPA’s Science Advisory Board Announces Independent Panel to Peer Review Agency’s Hydraulic Fracturing Research (Mar. 25, 2013)

Study of the Potential Impacts of Hydraulic Fracturing on Drinking Water Resources: Progress Report (Dec. 21, 2012) 

• Press Release: EPA Releases Update on Ongoing Hydraulic Fracturing Study (Dec. 21, 2012)

Final Plan to Study the Potential Impacts of Hydraulic Fracturing on Drinking Water Resources (Nov. 3, 2011) 

• Press Release: EPA Announces Final Study Plan to Assess Hydraulic Fracturing / Congressionally directed study will evaluate potential impacts on drinking water (Nov. 3, 2011)

Draft Plan to Study the Potential Impacts of Hydraulic Fracturing on Drinking Water Resources (Feb. 7, 2011) 

• Press Release: EPA Submits Draft Hydraulic Fracturing Study Plan to Independent Scientists for Review / The draft plan is open to public comment (Feb. 8, 2011)

Scoping Materials for Initial Design of EPA Research Study on Potential Relationships Between Hydraulic Fracturing and Drinking Water Resources (Mar. 2010) 

• Press Release: EPA Initiates Hydraulic Fracturing Study: Agency seeks input from Science Advisory Board (Mar. 18, 2010)

Press Release – Office of Congressman Maurice Hinchey: Congress Gives Final Approval to Hinchey Provision; Urging EPA to Conduct New Study on Risks Hydraulic Fracturing Poses to Drinking Water Supplies (Oct.29, 2009)