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The Pros And Cons Of Fracking

1469 Words6 Pages

eople and society thrive off of a good economy when there is energy, business, or good markets, yet when the means of production (Bourgeoisie) interferes with the proletariats (working class) negatively, then problems arise. This is what is happening with hydraulic fracturing in America in relation to air pollution and the rate of which emissions are being released into the atmosphere. “The hydraulic fracturing water cycle describes the use of water in hydraulic fracturing, from water withdrawals to make hydraulic fracturing fluids, through the mixing and injection of hydraulic fracturing fluids in oil and gas production wells, to the collection and disposal or reuse of produced water” (EPA). In this operation, methane is being released in …show more content…

For example, “Given too that UGOD (unconventional gas and oil development) is exempt from other federal provisions of the Clean Water Act (CWA), Clean Air Act (CAA), the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), as well as several Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations related to hazardous waste disposal, the degree of water and soil contamination caused by fracking is largely unknown to the public” (Ladd, Anthony., York, Richard pg. 6). The issue with fracking is that the process can be done in a cleaner matter, yet fracking is exempt from multiple federal environmental regulations and legislation because there isn’t scientific evidence that proves that hydraulic fracturing is dangerous and harms the environment, according to politicians. It is our hope that politicians will review this letter to understand that the EPA has announced its findings that hydraulic fracturing is contaminating the atmosphere and underground water aquifers. During the process of hydraulic fracturing, “3.6-7.2 percent of all methane gas obtained from the fracking process is lost into the atmosphere via the well completion and transportation” (Tollefson). The mining of the well is the main contributer to the 1.9% of released methane emissions, which is why some scientists believe conventional gas is better than fracking for shale gas. Yet the issue is that there is so much shale gas to be harvested from shale formations that the economic difference is worthwhile. A comparison of conventional gas vs shale gas is represented below in table

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Hydraulic fracturing is a process used in nine out of 10 natural gas wells in the United States, where millions of gallons of water, sand and chemicals are pumped underground to break apart the rock and release the gas (what is). This new and booming form of extracting natural gasses from shale rock is sweeping the nation in controversy. Fracking has many issues, those for it claim it has large economic benefits while remaining environmentally safe. Those against claim it does in fact effect our environment, The debate over fracking and its recent boom indicate a need for better understanding of the effects of Hydraulic Fracking.

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