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Fracking

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Fracking
Chris Hammons
Enviro Science
3/24/13
Position paper
Fracking

Introduction Todays energy demands are at an all time high, and with that comes all time high prices at the pump. That is why we in America and in parts of the world are focusing on a relatively new process to obtain natural gas called “fracking”. Fracking is a very controversial process that we use to obtain natural gas. Fracking has pros and cons like any topic, but what I’m trying to find is if one side drastically outweighs the other. The controversy that aspires from this topic derives from the environmental well being of our planet and the effect fracking has on it. Fracking is the slang term for the process; the real term is “Hydraulic Fracturing”. Hydraulic fracturing or (fracking) is the extraction of mainly natural gas. The process of fracking is pretty strait forward; the first thing you need to do is find your location where you are going to start fracking. Once you find your location you begin the frack process. “Fracking refers to the procedure of creating fractures in rocks and rock formations by injecting fluid into cracks to force them further open. The larger fissures allow more gas to flow out of the formation and into the wellbore, from there it can be extracted”. gaseous gold. Seems harmless right? How could this simple process be a controversial issue for the environment? The facts may come as a surprise to you, but it all boils down to if the benefits outweigh the negative impacts.

Description You know how everyone knows that the Middle East has one of the richest supply of petroleum in the world? Well it was recently found that America has the basic equivalent to the Middle East but in natural gas. This means many good things for America. It means less dependency on oil, and foreign oil alike. It means supporting our economy by creating jobs and producing domestic product. It also means cleaner burning fuel which helps the environment, or does it? Its true that natural



Citations: DOE, GWPC: Modern Gas Shale Development In the United States (2009). A FLUID SITUATION. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.energyindepth.org/frac-fluid.pdf. [Last Accessed 24 March 2013]. (2013). fracking definition. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/fracking.asp. [Last Accessed 24 March 2013]. (03/28/2009). Homeowners Vent Fears About Gas In Water Wells. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/homeowners-vent-fears-about-gas-in-water-wells. [Last Accessed 24 March 2013].

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