Recent earthquakes in the Permian Basin in the past several years could be because of the oil industry according to a study conducted by University of Texas researchers.

According to the Midland Reporter-Telegram, the study will be published today in the journal Seismological Research Letters and it comes to the conclusion that activities associated with petroleum production “almost certainly” or “probably” caused 59 percent of earthquakes across Texas between 1975 and 2015.

Another 28 % were "possibly" caused by oil and gas fracturing practices among other things.

The Railroad Commission scoffs at the idea while U.S. Geological experts say it could be a viable reason for all the earthquakes.

 

 

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