The World

Fracking with Propane Instead of Water

A Canadian company is using propane instead of water to extract gas from shale formations. The method is controversial; some question its safety.

Hydraulic fracturing uses millions of gallons of water at each well site in order to release oil and gas. A Canadian company has found a method that uses propane instead of water. Gasfrac says the propane technique uses biodegradable chemicals and doesn’t pollute groundwater. But as The Allegheny Front’s Matt Richmond reports, others say propane fracking is risky business.