A May 2011 Duke University study found that methane levels in private water wells are, on average, 17 times higher when within 1,000 yards of a natural gas drilling site. The study was instantly criticized by the natural gas industry, citing lack of baseline reference data. Ironically, however, the natural gas companies have much of the needed baseline data, but refuse to release it. "I asked them for the data and they wouldn't share it," said Robert Jackson, one of the Duke study authors.

Several other recent reports have warned of the dangers of natural gas fracking. A March 2011 Cornell University Study estimated the greenhouse gas emissions associated with fracked gas are 20% to 50% higher than emissions from coal. A January 2011 research study by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency showed that methane releases from the hydraulic fracturing of shale gas were 9,000 times higher than previously reported.

The release of the studies could immediately shape the increasingly intense public debate over drilling and hydraulic fracturing. France is on track to be the first country to ban hydraulic fracking. Quebec implemented a partial ban, pending further study, following recommendations of a government commissioned report. A provincial review of fracking is scheduled in Nova Scotia.