Court Will Decide If Frackers Can Be Held Responsible For Earthquakes

"Oklahoma’s highest court is about to make a decision that could really shake up the way fracking companies do business in the state.

In the coming months, Oklahoma’s Supreme Court will decide whether two oil companies should be held financially responsible for injuries suffered by a woman during a 2011 earthquake thought to have been caused by drilling activity. If the woman’s lawsuit is successful, it could set a legal precedent for future earthquake claims against oil and gas companies in Oklahoma.

In other words, oil and gas wells in Oklahoma would 'become economic and legal-liability pariahs,' attorney Robert Gum said in comments reported by the Tulsa World."

Emily Atkin reports for Climate Progress January 26, 2015.

Source: Climate Progress, 01/28/2015