Which Way, L.A.?
Fracking in Baldwin Hills?
Hydraulic fracturing for natural gas has been blamed by some for earthquakes and water contamination. It turns out that "fracking" has been used for years in California.
By Warren Olney • • 51m ListenHydraulic fracturing for natural gas has been blamed by some people for earthquakes and water contamination in Northeastern and Rocky Mountain states. It turns out that "fracking" has been used for years to get oil out of depleted fields in California. Nobody knows what chemicals are being injected into the ground; there are no regulations, and the Brown Administration is in no hurry to enact any. We find out why neighbors are worried in Culver City and the Baldwin Hills. Also, do the Los Angeles Kings have a chance at the Stanley Cup? On our rebroadcast of today's To the Point, is America's immigration crisis going away?
Banner image: Men with Cabot Oil and Gas work on a natural gas valve at a hydraulic fracturing or "fracking" site on January 18, 2012 in South Montrose, Pennsylvania. Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesIs There Fracking in Our Future?
Nine states in the Northeast and the Rocky Mountains have enacted guidelines to regulate hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking," a process involving injection of chemicals into the ground to extract natural gas. In California, it's being used on thousands of oil wells, but oil companies won't reveal what the chemicals are.
Read the story1 minLA Kings Light the Ice on Fire
Even with the great Wayne Gretsky, the Los Angeles Kings never won the Stanley Cup, symbolic of ice hockey supremacy. Since 1993, when they made the Stanley Cup finals, they've never been passed the second round. This year could be different, as we hear fro sports columnist Helene Elliott, who covers the Kings for the Los Angeles Times .
Read the story6 minIs the Immigration 'Crisis' Going Away?
A new study by the Pew Hispanic Center shows that illegal immigration from Mexico has dropped to zero, reversing a trend that has shaped American law, culture and politics. We debate the possible causes and potential policy impacts.
Read the story25 min