Fracking An Unconventional Technique For Harvesting...

Fractually Inaccurate Hydraulic fracturing, commonly known and hereby referred to as fracking, has been around for decades- but it seems that it has only recently become a prominent point of contention in our society. Fracking is considered an unconventional technique for harvesting natural gas and oil. Where conventional wells drill straight down and can only collect from more free-flowing deposits, fracking allows for horizontal drilling into shale deposits and uses water pressure to enlarge pre-existing fractures- freeing up otherwise unobtainable fuel. First used by Halliburton in 1949 (Beaver 179), fracking has been credited as having wide variety of economic and environmental benefits. Recently however, it has come under fire as being a dangerous and dirty source of energy. Using the articles â€Å"Should We Frack?† by Bruce Beaver, and Cornucopia or Curse? Reviewing the Costs and Benefits of Shale Gas Hydraulic Fracturing (Fracking),† by B.K. Sovacool, I will eval uate the merits and detriments of the fracking process. By examining its environmental, public health and safety, and economic effects- I will show that fracking is not stable, safe, or clean enough to be considered an effective, long-term source of energy. The most obvious obstacle to fracking becoming a sustainable source of energy is the way in which it contributes to climate change. In his article, B.K. Sovacool cites a study which states that 50 percent of natural gas wells that were inspected in QuebecShow MoreRelatedFracking : The Economic And Environmental Effect Of Hydraulic Fracking1165 Words   |  5 PagesFracking Fracking, a technique used to extract natural gas and oil from the earth s subterranean rocks, is by no means a new thing. As the United States strives for energy independence, the number of wells produced by hydraulic fracturing has increased substantially. This method of harvesting natural gas and oil may contribute to pollution and has become a controversial topic. It is important to understand the pros and cons of fracking before drawing conclusions. Analyzing the economic and environmental