Conca, J. (2016, August 28). Fracking Really Isn’t So Bad. Retrieved August 29, 2016, from
http://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesconca/2016/08/28/fracking-really-isnt-so-bad/#5690ff5
978bd
Fracking, short for hydraulic fracturing, for natural gas is a process that uses pressurized, chemically treated water to access stores of natural gas in shale rock formations. The gases produced by the process have led to concern over the environmental and public safety hazards caused by fracking. This article addresses many of these concerns and argues that the process is safe when done properly. Conca argues that fracking for gas is the more environmentally friendly than extracting coal or oil and that much of the emissions from fracking sites are due to mechanical inefficiencies and not the fracking process itself.
This article shows that the use of fracking is still controversial. The environmental concerns could mean restrictions on the process, limiting our use of natural gas. The EPA has reduced its estimates of emissions from fracking processes. Natural gas has is set to become the backup energy source to renewable energy and its environmental effects and restrictions placed on it could shift where we get our energy from. If the EPA finds it is less damaging to the environment than other processes, I think fracking seems to be a better way to get our energy when renewables aren’t enough.
Interesting, this is the first time I’ve heard a positive opinion on fracking! I understand the logic in placing fracking above coal/oil extraction methods, but I’d presume that it still has detrimental effects on the environment? How much/what type of pollution does fracking release (on average)? Also, is there anything significant being done to make the process more efficient?
In terms of air pollution, fracking can release methane into the air. Supposedly something like 5-7% of new oil and gas wells leak methane. In terms of water contamination, there is the possibility of benzene and radioactive materials in fracking wastewater to contaminate drinking water sources.
I liked the explanation of fracking. However, I do have one question. Is it possible to do both fracking and renewable resources?
I’m sure that fracking can be used in tandem with other sources of energy that are renewable, however fracking itself is not sustainable.