Lynch, M. (2016, October 27). Fracking Hysteria Spreads To Europe: “Think Of The Whiskey!”Retrieved November 20, 2016, from http://www.forbes.com/sites/michaellynch/2016/10/27/fracking-hysteria-spreads-to-europe-before-fracking-think-of-the-whiskey/#7964f6b71dec

Following Hillary Clinton’s calls for the regulation of hydraulic fracking, most Americans seem to have come to the conclusion that most “claims of catastrophe” are just meant to scare the public.  Unlike the US, Europe has far more opposition towards fracking and Lynch claims that the bans on fracking are a result of emotion driving the energy policy in Europe.  Lynch contests that fracking could easily operate with margins similar to those of the US, making it an inexpensive way for Europeans to get energy.  The author also points out that wells contaminated by fracking make up only a small portion of the total number of contaminated wells in the US.  Introduction of fracking in Europe would mean little for the whiskey distilleries that play a big part in Europe’s economy.

 

The introduction of fracking to Europe could prove to be an inexpensive way for countries to supply energy to its citizens.  Opponents of fracking claim that it can lead to contamination of waterways and health complications.  Though these claims have yet to be substantiated, widespread participation in fracking could mean problems with Europe’s water sources.  Of course, these claims about pollution and health issues could be the result of what Lynch calls “hysteria”.  The process is widespread in the US and is poised to become the major source of energy for the country.