The controversial issue and policy of hydraulic fracturing, commonly known as “fracking,” will be the discussed by a panel in the Ohio Northern University Dicke Forum on Friday, Oct. 12, at 7 p.m. as part of the 72nd annual meeting of the Ohio Association of Economist and Political Scientist (OAEPS).

The panel will debate the pros and cons of fracking and will include Mike Chadsey, campaign manager for Energy In Depth (affiliated organization of the Ohio Oil and Gas Association), Greg Lawson, statehouse liaison and policy analyst with the Buckeye Institute, Janetta King, president and CEO of Innovation Ohio, and Jack Shaner, deputy director and senior director of legislative and public affairs for the Ohio Environmental Council.
       
Fracking involves injecting a mixture of water and chemicals deep into the earth. The pressure causes shale rock formations to fracture, and natural gas is released. The fluid is extracted, and the natural gas is mined through the well.

Ohio became embroiled in the controversial issue of fracking after Gov. John Kasich signed a bill earlier this year detailing drilling rules focused on fracking. Proponents of fracking say it is a safe way to generate natural energy and money for the state, while opponents of the measure say this process contaminates drinking water and causes additional environmental damage.

OAEPS is an organization of economists and political scientists, as well as undergraduate and graduate students from across Ohio, who work to produce and disseminate useful research on subjects related to Ohio’s economy and politics.