Fracking Environmental Issues

958 Words2 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Hydraulic fracturing literature review

The Environmental issues of Fracking
What is Hydraulic Fracking? The process of extracting oil and gas by using the fracking technique. Which includes drilling at a horizontal direction into the ground to create a path underground in rock’s that allows the gas to escape. In recent discussion of the issues concerning fracking is the cause and effect that the process of fracking has on the environment including: communities, farms, water wells, earthquakes, and air pollution.
For and example the Marcellus shale. What is the Marcellus Shale? It’s a non-porous rock located about a mile or more under earth surface that contains a large amount of gas. With parts of it in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New York, Maryland, Ohio.
That caused that lead …show more content…

The US had relied on other countries to export the oil for them Arab and Saudi Arabia. With the new technology of fracking the US would not have to depend on the export of oil from either of the countries (Kilian). and any was the loss of coal production and jobs in the coal industry thi wouls more modern technology of fracking this will produce 1.7 million jobs predicted to rise to 3 million by the end of the decade and has reduced the price of oil. Therefore, we don’t have to depend on other countries for the import of oil. In the words of (Loh p222) “Proponents assert that hydraulic fracturing, in combination with other alternative sources of energy, has already made the United States a net energy exporter and much less dependent on coal, thus reducing the negative environmental impacts associated with …show more content…

In addition to using less chemicals during the extraction process. This includes protesting at national level in each of the states mention above to bring awareness to federal and locals state official that who can change and implement safe fracking regulation. By doing this will provide the concerned citizens of the communities some relief about their health and crops when it’s related to Hydraulic fracking. (Hwang p11) all so stated ‘With the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency unable to regulate fracking, that role was left to each individual state, where the energy companies could wield even greater influence over state governors, legislators, and agencies. After being exempted, hydraulic fracturing wells popped up like crazy, especially in areas of the country thought to be sitting on huge gas reserves, such as Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Ohio, West Virginia, and

Show More
Related

  • The Pros and Cons of Fracking

    1351 Words  | 3 Pages

    In today's global economy, energy is one of the most crucial and sought after commodities. Who supplies it and how much they supply determines how much influence they have over other countries as well as the global economy. This is why hydraulic fracturing is currently such an important and controversial topic in the United States. Hydraulic fracturing, more commonly known as "fracking" or hydrofracturing, is the process of using pressurized liquids to fracture rocks and release hydrocarbons such as shale gas, which burns more efficiently than coal. This booming process of energy production provides a much needed economic boost, creating jobs and providing gas energy for Americans.

    Read More

  • The Consequences of Drilling for Natural Gas

    1644 Words  | 4 Pages

    The United States relies on imports for about forty percent of its crude oil, which is the lowest rate of dependency since 1991 according to the U.S Energy Information Administration. Today our country is trying to keep on track in becoming less and less dependent. When it comes to the topic of the future ways the United States will get its fuel, most of us readily agree that the United States should become more independent by using natural gas that is already here on our land. Where this argument usually ends, however, is on the question of the consequences drilling for natural gas brings. Whereas some are convinced drilling is safe, others maintain that it is actually in fact dangerous. Hydraulic fracturing or "fracking", the terms for drilling for natural gas, is dangerous to our public health and to the environment because of the water contamination it causes. Therefore, it is not something that should become a project for alternative fuel used by the United States.

    Read More

  • Argumentative Essay On Fracking

    1715 Words  | 4 Pages

    Hydraulic fracturing, commonly referred to as fracking, is a widespread practice in the United States. Fracking is a method used to extract oil and natural gas. Scientists and citizens report detrimental side effects of hydraulic drilling. New York and Vermont have banned fracking statewide. Maryland has set a two-year moratorium on fracking, so that more research can be done to show the impacts of fracking on the environment.

    Read More

  • The Problems with Fracking

    2006 Words  | 5 Pages

    Before one can see the devastating effects of fracking, one must first understand how fracking works. As previously stated, the main intent of hydro-fracking is to access and harvest natural gas that lies below the surface of the Earth. Having formed over 400 million years ago by the collision of tectonic plates (Marsa 3), the Marcellus Shale plays host to a gold mine of natural gas, which is currently at the center of the fracking debate in the Northeastern region of the United States. Unfortunately, access...

    Read More

  • Fracking Is Not Harmful To The Environment Summary

    590 Words  | 2 Pages

    What is Fracking? Hydraulic fracturing, also known as ‘fracking’ is a technology that involves the extraction of natural gases through the injection of harmful chemicals, sand, and water. This technique includes the process of drilling a hole deep within the surface layer of the environment. As a result, it deteriorates the density of the land, pollutes the air, and contaminates underground drinking water sources. According to Bill Freemans’s “Fracking Is Not Harmful to the Environment,” the author argues that fracking is a technique that does not harm the environment and that instead, it helps the United States achieve energy independence. In contrast to his statement, hydraulic fracturing should not be

    Read More

  • Persuasive Essay: Should Fracking Be Banned?

    1228 Words  | 3 Pages

    Fracking is a pressurized, chemically treated mixture of water and sand to release and extract natural gas and petroleum from shale rock. There are many articles, studies being done, and organizations fighting for what they think is right. Environmentalist want the technique of fracking banned because it plays a part in global warming, affects our water, and causes human health problems. If fracking cannot be banned because of its necessity then it should be made safe and eco-friendly. The process involves a well being drilled vertically to the desired depth, then turns ninety degrees and continues horizontally for thousands of feet into the shale believed to contain the trapped natural gas. A mix of water, sand, and various chemicals is pumped into the well at high pressure in order to create fissures in the shale through which the gas can escape. Natural gas escapes through the fissures and is drawn back up the well to the surface, where it is processed, refined, and shipped to market. Flowback returns to the surface after the

    Read More

  • Josh Fox Fracking

    965 Words  | 2 Pages

    In Chapter one, it says some sources of renewable energy are solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass power. These could help steer away from hydraulic fracturing for oil and natural gas. The Europen Union and China have been developing and using other methods of energy, such as solar and wave and tidal energy, and overall cutting out as many fossil fuels as possible. In 2009, the wealthiest countries agreed to help other nations with converting to renewable energy if they were willing to do so. Even though these nations are “going green” it will still take time to leave oil behind for good. With this being said though, we're running out of time. From the biodiversity loss to the air pollution, fracking is only helping to destroy our environment one oil company at a

    Read More

  • The Pros And Cons Of Fracking

    782 Words  | 2 Pages

    Natural gas burning plants have replaced many coal burning plants, which benefits the environment greatly. Also, as the United States continues to become a prominent exporter of natural gas, the price of natural gas has dropped by about 30%. This is why I believe it is important to strictly regulate fracking, as opposed to stopping the practice as a whole. If regulations were placed that called for the fracturing to take place exclusively within the layer of shale, the toxic fluids and the gas would not have access to pathways that would allow them to seep into neighboring aquifers or permeable bedrock. This would make groundwater contamination by hydraulic fracturing much more unlikely. Also if the companies that engaged in the technique were required to be more transparent and disclose the chemicals that they were using in their fluid, it would allow the public to have more power and discretion in regards to which companies they support. If a company was found to use toxic chemicals in their fluid, then pressure could be put on the company to change their fluid’s composition through boycotts or through political

    Read More

  • Argumentative Essay On Fracking

    1029 Words  | 3 Pages

    Since the early 2000’s, after new technological advancements in fracking and the discovery of large shale reserves across the country, fracking has increased domestic energy production substantially. Shale gas production has increased 20% from 2005 to 2012, promoting a more prosperous economic demand for domestic energy solutions (Pritchard). The demand for transportation vehicles, fuel, housing and water also increases with the expansion of fracking. Furthermore, the increase in fracking has increased employment significantly. In a country struggling to rebound from a recession, well-paying jobs are easily accessible in the booming oil field. This is evident in the prosperous state of North Dakota, in which the unemployment rate has fallen to 2.8 %( Gottesdiener). However, although this industrial expansion creates temporary employment, the consequences of mismanagement may also cost millions of dollars to repair. Fracking has the potential to create environmental damage such as water contamination, radioactive spills, and increased seismic activity that could cost thousands of dollars in damage. The cleanup of drinking water contamination is difficult and expensive, and ultimately rarely attempted. Moreover, the cost to replace the drinking water of contaminated homes and communities also cost a substantial amount of money (The Costs of

    Read More

  • Fracking Pros And Cons

    1085 Words  | 3 Pages

    Fracking has boosted local economies--generating payments to property owners, providing tax revenues to the government, gains independence from importing oil, and creating

    Read More

  • Persuasive Speech: Solar Power

    1587 Words  | 4 Pages

    Significance: The United States must face the fact that the world is running out of oil and with today’s rising oil prices, economic and political instability in regions where the United States gets the majority of its oil, this country must begin looking into alternative means of energy to replace oil and end our dependence on foreign powers.

    Read More

  • The Pros And Cons Of Fracking

    467 Words  | 1 Pages

    Fracking uses millions of gallons of water. So there is the issue of potentially drying rivers and streams (Wheeler “Fracking: The pros and cons of the booming and controversial extraction process”). Also, the water used for fracking is almost always transported. This mass transportation with heavy trucks turn peaceful, rural roads into noisy, polluted industrial highways (Wheeler “Fracking: The pros and cons of the booming and controversial extraction process”). With the pollution coming from the big rig trucks adding more and more carbon emissions in the air. States that frack have seen a surge in earthquakes as well. From January 2014 to July 2014, the state of Oklahoma recorded approximately 250 small to medium earthquakes (Schmall “States With Fracking See Surge In Earthquake

    Read More

  • Hydraulic Fracturing Research Paper

    1764 Words  | 4 Pages

    Numerous reports have been given on the dangerous affects of hydraulic fracturing. One such affect that has been noticed is that drinking water wells near the fracturing sites have been contaminated. During the hydro-fracking process, injected fluids that help to break and keep open the rock bed where the natural gas is kept, have “been known to travel three thousand feet from the well (Goldman).” This fluid could have the potential to enter and contaminate any water well for homes around hydraulic fracturing sites. This incident is one of the major problems that people want to figure out and know about before they allow a fracturing site by them. It has been the most feared outcome of having a fracking site nearby, and it is highly appropriate. One site in Wyoming had this happen, “…in August, EPA reported that eleven of thirty-nine drinking-water wells near a Wyoming hydraulic fracturing operation were contaminated with chemicals used in the fracturing process (Hobson EPA).” In Pennsylvania, another such case occurred, “There have already been severe pollution cases in Pennsylvania, mo...

    Read More

  • Advantages Of Fracking

    157 Words  | 1 Pages

    Hydraulic fracturing or fracking is the process of removing natural gas from the ground by using water. The second state with the most gas wells is Pennsylvania with 115,564 wells, and Tioga having just over 1,000 hydraulic fracturing wells in it's county. While following strict enforcement fracking has a positive impact on the environment and it’s cheaper and more abundant other fossil fuels. Fracking is also good for the economy because it generates a cheaper fuel, and its taxes go to fund programs for low income families. Fracking can generate numerous jobs. There are many benefits to hydraulic fracturing, but not everyone approves of it. Fracking just one well takes millions of gallons of water, but it also includes chemicals and sand.

    Read More

  • Balancing Fracking: Economic Needs & Environmental Impacts

    1288 Words  | 3 Pages

    Reasons for this being fracking brings many jobs to desolate areas. For example, thousands of men are migrating to Williston, North Dakota for the jobs that are arising. (video) Furthermore, young people out of college are making six-figure salaries” (video). Because of the jobs needed for people to do the process of hydraulic fracking, men are brought into prairie towns. And now that the town has many more residents, the economy that once was nothing becoming booming. The demand for natural gas needs to match the amount of workers. Another benefit of fracking is that it is better for the environment than coal. Burning coal has negatives in that it produces particulates that increase air pollution and health dangers. Burning coal emits large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. (eia.gov) Coal emissions can cause danger to humans like respiratory illnesses, acid rain, smog, and lung diseases because it release many particulates and emissions. (eia.gov). Because of the way coal emits large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere, it is cleaner to burn natural gas. In addition, the pollution that coal releases is a danger for human health. For this reason, fracking should remain as one of our energy sources. Nonetheless, some may argue that natural gas is not as clean as other energy sources, like solar or wind. While that may be the case, natural gas still remain as a cleaner fossil fuel,

    Read More

More about Fracking Environmental Issues

Open Document