The major environmental issue associated with oil extraction in the U.S. is water pollution.

Water pollution is a significant environmental concern associated with oil extraction in the U.S., particularly in areas where hydraulic fracturing (fracking) is used to extract oil from shale deposits. The process involves injecting large volumes of water, sand, and chemicals into the ground, which can potentially contaminate nearby groundwater and surface water if not properly managed. Oil spills, leakage from pipelines, and runoff from extraction sites also pose risks to water quality. These contaminants can harm aquatic ecosystems, wildlife, and drinking water sources, making water pollution a critical environmental issue in oil extraction operations.