Congressional Democrats just landed a knockout blow to the pro-fracking argument that the chemicals drilling companies inject into natural gas wells simply aren't that bad – and don't pose any real environmental threat. A new congressional report is out that exposes some of the frackers' best-kept secrets, and the revelations are devastating to an industry that is already reeling from increasingly bitter opposition. New York Times reporter Ian Urbina, who has been closely covering the fracking issue for months, sums up the latest bombshell: “...oil and gas companies injected hundreds of millions of gallons of hazardous or carcinogenic chemicals into wells in more than 13 states from 2005 to 2009, according to an investigation by Congressional Democrats.” Both the volume of the fluid used and the number and nature of the chemicals contained in it come as a shock to even the most well-seasoned fracking opponents. According to the report: “...many ingredients were 'extremely toxic,' including benzene, a known human carcinogen, and lead...companies injected large amounts of other hazardous chemicals, including 11.4 million gallons of fluids containing at least one of the toxic or carcinogenic B.T.E.X. chemicals – benzene, toluene, xylene and ethylbenzene. The companies used the highest volume of fluids containing ...
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