Scientists from the University of Michigan will be speaking before Michigan officials and politicians Tuesday in Lansing on a hydraulic fracturing impact study they’re conducting.
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 researchers on the study.
Findings of technical reports in the study will be announced in June, and the final draft of the research project will be presented publicly in mid-2014.
Amy Biolchini covers Washtenaw County, health and environmental issues for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at (734) 623-2552, amybiolchini@annarbor.com or on Twitter.