Oklahoma concedes that oil and gas drilling is causing earthquakes

Oil and gas drilling is causing earthquakes in Oklahoma, the state concedes — (Image credit: iStock)

There were 585 earthquakes of magnitude 3.0 or greater in Oklahoma last year, up from 109 quakes in 2013 and fewer than two a year before 2008. On Tuesday, the Oklahoma Geological Survey said it's "very likely that the majority of the earthquakes" are triggered by oil and gas companies injecting wastewater into deep underground disposal wells. Given the oil and gas boom that started in 2011, Oklahomans should prepare for a "significant earthquake," the state agency added.

The report, endorsed by Gov. Mary Fallin (R), marks an about-face from the state's official skepticism. Previous studies had linked the sharp rise in earthquakes to oil and gas wastewater disposal, but as recently as last fall, Fallin dismissed the connection as speculation that required more study. The Oklahoma Oil and Gas Association trade group said Tuesday that it still believes the issue needs further study.

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.