Do the Potential Dangers of Hydraulic Fracturing Outweigh the Potential Benefits? Abstract In this paper we will discuss the potential advantages and disadvantages of hydraulic fracturing. We begin by discussing the process of hydraulic fracturing. We then use different sources found on the internet in order to represent each side of the debate. Introduction Hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking, isn’t new. You can trace the technology used in fracking back to Colonel Edwards A. L. Roberts and his invention of the Roberts Torpedo in 1865 (Shooters - A "Fracking" History, 2014). It began revolutionizing the young oil and gas industry by increasing the production in individual wells. In 1949, the use of non-explosive alternatives to …show more content…
George P. Mitchell from Galveston, TX introduced an advancement to fracking in 1980 (Shooters - A "Fracking" History, 2014). He began experimenting with horizontal wells in Texas and found a more economical way of extracting the natural gas from shale formations. This led the oil and gas industry to realize the potential of finding more shale gas. Since then, there has been a debate on fracking, “Do the potential dangers of hydraulic fracturing outweigh the potential benefits of producing badly needed oil and gas resources?” What is Hydraulic Fracturing? Fracking is a system designed to recuperate gas and oil from shale rock. The procedure can create a new route to discharge gas or can be utilized to lengthen existing channels. It is called fracking because the rock is cracked apart by high pressure. Many experts refer to it as a “frac job.” Companies such as Halliburton, ExxonMobil and BP are taking advantage of fracking in order to extract natural gas and oil from rocks that are deep underground. The process begins by digging into the earth’s surface. Once the well is penetrated, perforations are made in the horizontal part of the well pipe, through which a typical mix of water and sand and additives, such as formaldehyde, acetic acids, boric …show more content…
It emits half the carbon dioxide of coal with lower levels of air pollution. “The combustion byproducts of natural gas are mostly CO2 and water vapor, the same compounds people exhale when breathing” (Ground Water Protection Council and ALL Consulting, Pg. 5). Transferring the US fuel consumption to more natural gas would produce cleaner emissions and in return, lead to cleaner air. Because of this, the demand for natural gas has increased since being implemented in home heating and cooking, manufacturing plants, and as a way to generate electricity. Natural gas supplies about 22% of US energy demands (Ground Water Protection Council and ALL Consulting, Pg. #). With the decrease in conventional gas reserves, the use of hydraulic fracturing for unconventional natural gas is the way for the US to keep up with demand, become energy independent, and not import natural gas from unstable foreign economies. There are 36 states in the US with miles of untapped shale basins. Texas, Pennsylvania, Wyoming, and Louisiana are some of the states that are already using fracking. The companies that are doing the fracking and the US aren’t the only ones profiting from this boom. Land owners are benefiting from leasing their properties to oil companies. “Land owners in 30 states will share in the wealth with advance lease payments and from production income, usually 12% to 20%. Some farmers reported getting as much as $4,500 a month from