WITH VIDEO: University of Michigan researchers to brief state
officials on fracking Tuesday The study will evaluate the
potential effects on people and the environment that the
controversial practice could have in Michigan. Hydraulic
fracturing, or fracking, is an industry practice used to extract
fossil fuels from the ground. A classified mix of chemicals,
sand and water is pumped deep into the ground at high pressures
to fracture thin barriers of rock in between pockets of natural
gas or oil. Invited to attend are the members of the Michigan
Senate and House of Representatives, state officials, industry
representatives, researchers and individuals from non-
governmental organizations. Though the public cannot attend the
1:30 p.m. briefing, which will be at the Radisson Hotel Lansing,
a live stream of the event is accessible online. Pre-
registration for the live stream is required. The two-year
research project was announced in November, when Gov. Rick
Snyder said the state would be partnering with the U-M re