Get unlimited access to Bruins cup coverage - Just 99¢

The Boston Globe

Business

Boston.com

Shale gas boom has benefits and risks

Lower energy costs welcomed, but harm to environment feared

By Erin Ailworth

 |  Globe Staff  

  April 29, 2012

A proposal to expand a major local pipeline could bring cheap, plentiful supplies of natural gas to New England from Northeast shale formations, but it also thrusts the region into a raging debate that pits economics against environment, industry against community, and sometimes neighbor against neighbor. The focus is often on a controversial technique, known as fracking, that pumps chemical-laced, pressurized water deep into the earth. The technology has helped bring jobs, businesses, and money, but also been blamed for polluting air and water.

Stay with the story. Get full access to BostonGlobe.com for just 99¢

Unlimited access to BostonGlobe.com for only 99¢ for the first 4 weeks. You can cancel at any time.

  • The FULL story all day: Enjoy all of the high-quality, in-depth journalism in the print edition of the Boston Globe — plus breaking news that's updated 24/7.
  • A truly reader-friendly format: It's online news that looks and reads just like the newspaper — uncluttered, uninterrupted.
  • Breakthrough technology: The responsive design automatically adapts content so it always reads perfectly on the digital device of your choice.
Get started today

Free access for home delivery subscribers.

Just need to link your home delivery account; one easy step.

Link my home delivery account

BostonGlobe.comSubscriber Log In

Contact us for help

  • Phone

    888-MY-GLOBE

    Monday-Friday 6:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

    Saturday, Sunday and Holidays 7:30 a.m.- 12:00 noon

  • Chat

    Start a chat

    Monday-Sunday 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

  • E-mail

    support@bostonglobe.com