An Energy Revolution or a Deal with the Devil?
Chemistry in Context Hydraulic Fracturing An Energy Revolution or a Deal with the Devil? Fossil fuels are critical to our current way of life providing a reliable energy source. Natural gas, the first cousin to crude oil, is a combustible fossil fuel often found in underground reservoirs and comprised of methane and other hydrocarbon compounds. Improved drilling technologies are allowing private gas and oil companies to recover large natural gas reserves once thought inaccessible here in the United States using a process called hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking. So what is hydraulic fracturing? And why is it so controversial? ASSIGNMENT: 1. Visit one the following websites to learn more about the hydraulic fracturing process: http://www(dot)telegraph(dot)co(dot)uk/news/newsvideo/9208698/What-is-fracking-video-guide-to-how-hydraulic-fracturing-works.html http://www(dot)nytimes(dot)com/interactive/2011/02/27/us/fracking.html 2. Watch the film “Gasland” (104 minutes) which is extremely critical about hydraulic fracturing. The film explores current industry practices, regulation (or lack thereof) and the impact on the environment from a very personal point of view. The movie is available on the course website in the “On Demand Video” folder. Think about the following questions while watching the movie. Does fracking affect ground water quality and air quality? Do fracking fluids pose potential human health or environmental risks when injected into the ground? What are some of the lessons learned by the Dallas/Fort Worth area? How extensive is hydraulic fracturing in the United States? What are the filmmaker’s main concerns about the current state of fracking regulation? 3. Read one or more of this series of UT San Diego editorials about “The Energy Revolution” (2013): http://www(dot)utsandiego(dot)com/news/2013/sep/28/fixing-california-protect-environment-while/all/?print http://www(dot)utsandiego(dot)com/news/2013/May/25/fracking-energy-revolution-rocks-world/ http://www(dot)utsandiego(dot)com/news/2013/Mar/02/energy-revolution-fracking-shale-california/ Our local newspaper addresses the controversy from a much different perspective. It focuses on the economic opportunity, job creation and energy security widespread natural gas development offers. It is very much pro-fracking, arguing that it is like other typical heavy industries and should not be abandoned as a energy option Think about the following questions while reading one or more of these UT San Diego op-ed articles: What are some advantages to increasing domestic natural gas production? Can government regulation protect the public and the environment from fracking pollutants? What are the economic consequences of fracking for natural gas in California? Who would benefit? 4. Answer the original question, “Why is hydraulic fracturing so controversial?” Your response should compare the risks and benefits of natural gas development by hydraulic fracturing. Write three paragraphs (minimum of 5 sentences per paragraph). Each paragraph must contain at least three specific examples or evidence provided by the assigned film, websites and editorials detailing the controversy. Paragraph 1: Discuss the risks of hydraulic fracturing. Use specific examples. Paragraph 2: Discuss the benefits of hydraulic fracturing. Use specific examples. Paragraph 3: State your opinion. Should fracking be allowed in California? In your backyard? Why or why not? Be specific. 5. Submit your responses to Turnitin by Wednesday, April 25th, 2014.
Fracking: An Energy Revolution or a Deal with the Devil?
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Fracking:An Energy Revolution or a Deal with the Devil?
Fracking is a drilling method used to extract natural gas from areas that were previously thought inaccessible (Cuadrilla Resources). It uses hydraulic fracturing of underground rocks to create avenues for gases to flow from the rocks to pipes and onto the surface. In some areas, the process has been hailed as revolutionary to the energy process and it is proposed to be a solution in an attempt for the American government to move towards energy independence (Cuadrilla Resources. Gas is among the most valuable minerals in the world. Therefore, it follows that there are new methods to extract gasses where it was previously not possible. According to John Hickenlooper, these new methods provide' clean and sustainable' energy to power American industries. John Hickenlooper proposes that fracking be among the revolutionary methods because it has the potential to move the country towards sustainability and independence in terms of energy (Hickenlooper). Dan McSwain proposes that the new technologies bring wealth to the rural communities where it can be used to extract oil. He also points to the reliance of the country on oil from the Middle East and proposes that the new methods of extraction will move the country towards independence while generating cash for the local communities (McSwain). According to the San Diego Editorial Board, the new methods of extraction defy the conventional wisdom that the world is moving towards depletion of energy (San Diego Editorial Board).
However, there are environmental concerns about the new drilling techniques. For example, according to the documentary ‘Gasland ,' fracking affects ground water and sometimes makes in unworthy for human consumption. For example, the movie ‘Gasland' proposes that fracking contaminates groundwater (Fox). The documentary shows footage of water catching fire due to interactions with...