"Fracking: Energy Solution or Environmental Problem?"

LOS ANGELES, June 5, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The California Science Center's Science Matters, a speaker's program that explores science issues in the forefront of public concern, will present "Fracking: Energy Solution or Environmental Problem?" June 8, 2013 from 1:00-2:30 p.m. The program is free to the public and will take place in the Loker Conference Center at the California Science Center.

Hydraulic fracturing or "fracking" has been used as an effective technique for tapping gas or oil reserves, which have been typically considered costly to extract. However this activity involving the injection of massive amounts of water mixed with chemicals may result in groundwater contamination and air pollution. How does "fracking" work and what are its potential impacts on our communities? Do the economic benefits of this practice outweigh its health and environmental risks? In this program experts will discuss these concerns from a variety of perspectives: Science, community impact, public policy, and economics.

Conan Nolan, NBC4 reporter and host of News Conference, will serve as moderator for this panel discussion.

Panelists include Kassie Siegel, Director, Climate Law Institute, Center for Biological Diversity; Fred Aminzadeh, Ph.D., Professor of Petroleum and Electrical Engineering, University of Southern California, Managing Director, USC Global Energy Network and USC Induced Seismicity Consortium, Executive Director, USC Reservoir Monitoring Consortium and USC Center for Geothermal Studies; Dave Quast, California Director, Energy in Depth; Gary Gless, President, Citizens Coalition for a Safe Community; and Sydney Kamlager, District Director, Office of Assemblymember Holly J. Mitchell 54th District.

Program attendees will have a chance to hear the debates on this issue and to ask questions of the panelists at the end of the program. All those interested in attending may RSVP at 213.744-2420.

*Note to Media: Please contact Kristina Kurasz at (213) 744-7446 to set up interviews with panelists.

About the California Science Center
The California Science Center's mission is as follows: "We aspire to stimulate curiosity and inspire science learning in everyone by creating fun, memorable experiences, because we value science as an indispensable tool for understanding our world, accessibility and inclusiveness, and enriching people's lives."

General Info:
The California Science Center and IMAX Theater are located in historic Exposition Park just west of the Harbor (110) Freeway at 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. General admission is free. For recorded information, including IMAX show times, call 323.SCIENCE (323.724-3623). IMAX ticket prices range from $5.00 to $8.25. For advance ticket purchases, group rates, or to make reservations for any visiting group of 15 or more (required), call 213.744-2019. Parking is available in the guest lot at Figueroa and 39^th / Exposition Park Drive at $10 per car, $25 for buses or oversized vehicles. Both the Science Center and IMAX Theater are wheelchair accessible. For further information, please visit our website at www.californiasciencecenter.org.

Media Contact: Kristina Kurasz
(213) 744-7446
[email protected]

SOURCE California Science Center Foundation