Hydraulic Fracturing The Future of America’s Energy Essay

Hydraulic Fracturing, also known as fracking, is not a novel concept. The hope of being able to access fossil fuels trapped inside layers of shale deep beneath the Earth’s surface was achieved by the process of fracking, developed in 1903 (energyindepth.com). Over the last century, hydraulic fracturing has become an efficient and environmentally friendly way to access the natural gas needed to meet the United States’ high demands. With the condition of the environment rapidly deteriorating, the process of hydraulic fracturing is being questioned. Fracking has made the natural gas trapped within the shale deposits below the earth’s surface accessible with new techniques, all while generating jobs, stimulation the economy, and safely†¦show more content†¦In addition to being an environmentally friendly method of natural gas extraction, fracking also created new jobs and generates substantial revenue that is crucial to the growth of the United Statesâ⠂¬â„¢ economy. Today Americans are suffering from an unemployment rate which has risen to an astounding 9.1% rate. The Marcellus Company created over 29,000 jobs in 2008; and the Barnette Company created over 327,000 jobs in Texas alone (Kaufman and Sidick). The natural gas harvested from fracking are also translates into extreme profits. Barnette Shale’s drilling companies generated over $32.56 billion in revenue and the Marcellus Shale’s drilling companies already generated $2.3 billion in revenue from the small fraction of the shale they have drilled so far (Kaufman and Sidick). Hydraulic fracturing provides economic benefits that are necessary for America’s struggling economy in an environmentally friendly way. Despite popular belief, fracking is not devastating to the environment; in fact, it is a safe way to access a greener source of natural gas. By utilizing horizontal drilling, multiple wells can originate from 200-600+ acres of shale, making the process more efficient and less threatening to the surrounding environment (Kaufman and Sidick). Many safety precautions, such as encasing the wells with steel and cement, are used to ensure that the surrounding freshShow MoreRelatedLaws 310 Course Project1187 Words   |  5 PagesLAWS 310 – THE LEGAL ENVIRONMENT Hydraulic Fracturing 10/12/2013 â€Æ' TABLE OF CONTENTS What is Hydraulic Fracturing 2 Enivromental Issues 2 Water Contamination 2 Management of Waste Water 3 Air Quality Issues 3 Fracking Chemicals 3 State and Federal Laws 4 Federal Regulations 4 State Regulations 4 U.S. Energy Needs 5 Conclusion 5 Referrence Page 6 â€Æ' Hydraulic Fracturing What is hydraulic fracturing or fracking, and is it safe for our environment? What types of environmentalRead MoreTheu.s. 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