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Hydraulic Fracturing in Virginia, Part I

By Sandy Hausman

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wmra/local-wmra-965108.mp3

Abingdon, VA – With the dangers of nuclear power playing out in Japan, fighting in Libya pushing oil prices up, and climate scientists pointing an accusing finger at coal, America is desperate for some energy alternatives.

One that seemed promising is natural gas, a relatively clean burning fuel.

But critics now say the process of getting gas from the ground may be risky.

This is part 1 of a 3 part series on the possibility of hydraulic fracturing in Virginia, and Part 2 will look at external interests in Virgina's natural gas resources, including a Houston-based company that has leased thousands of acres around Harrisonburg, with the intention to extract natural gas.