Hydraulic Fracturing Fracking for a Better World Essay

In recent years there has been great concern over the growing demand for energy, and the lack of non-renewable energy resources to meet the demand in the future. In addition, the question of â€Å"sustainability†Ã¢â‚¬â€the ability to balance social, economic, and environmental needs in energy production to meet both current and long-term requirements—has come to the fore. It is clear that America must expand energy production quickly, and that we must develop renewable, sustainable energy sources to meet long-term demand and protect our future. There are many proposed solutions, such as wind and solar power. But the technology for these resources is not yet fully developed, making them, at best, low-output alternatives. Because renewable sources are†¦show more content†¦These arguments include environmental concerns and doubts as to whether hydraulic fracturing is economically sustainable. By first addressing the arguments against hydraulic fracturing, I will be able to effectively argue for its continued use and expansion in its current form. Finally, I will support this argument by addressing the need for a clean fuel in the US to bridge the gap between non- renewables and renewable energy in the future. The use of hydraulic fracturing dates back to 1947, when Stanolind Oil conducted an experimental fracturing in Kansas. Although this experiment was relatively small compared to the processes used today, it served as a catalyst for advances in hydraulic fracturing. Just two years after the first test of hydraulic fracturing, Halliburton was granted a patent for the new â€Å"Hydrafrac† process. In each gas well that was treated with the new fracturing process, production increased by 75 percent. This type of breakthrough attracted many followers, and soon the process was utilized on thousands of gas wells across the US (â€Å"The History†). The spread of hydraulic fracturing followed the discoveries of shale deposits. The largest deposit is the Marcellus Shale, located in the northeastern part of the US, centering on the state of Pennsylvania. Other areas with significant shale deposits include Texas, North Dakota, Michigan andShow MoreRelatedHydraulic Fracturing Is Risky And Dangerous For The Environment1153 Words   |  5 Pagesthe lives of the poor residents in third world countries. But what if I told you that there’s a place in the United States that didn’t have fresh water? A place that didn’t get the attention the residents of Flint did. Well there is. Everywhere there is Hydraulic Fracturing, there is a risk that your tap water will become polluted. Hydraulic Fracturing is risky and dangerous for the environment and not worth the benefits of natural gas. 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The original purpose of hydraulic fracturing was to benefit the national and local economy plus environment of the United States, but due to the large interdependencies and networks of our world today, impacts at a global scaleRead MoreTypes Of Wells Can Be Used For Drill Holes Deep Into The Earth1566 Words   |  7 Pagesthe United States, there are three types of oil and gas wells; horizontal, directional, and vertical. All three types of wells can be fracked. Horizontal drilling is normally used to drill holes deep into the earth, for the hydraulic fracturing process. Fracturing or â€Å"fracking† uses a high pressure water mixture that is injected deep into the ground through pipes to create fractures that release the oil and natural gas from the shale deposits. 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