PRO
HYDRAULIC FRACTURING
Potential
Energy Independence:
Fossil
fuels extracted domestically can help wean us off of our addiction to
foreign oil.
Clean
and Economical Fuel:
Replacing coal powered plants with natural gas plants and gasoline
engines with natural-gas-powered ones could work as part of a plan to
reduce greenhouse emissions significantly. Natural gas is also
proving to be a cheap source of energy.
Local
Economic Benefits:
Extraction of fossil fuels is already a major source of employment in
the U.S. Increased drilling will lead to more jobs. In
addition,leases and royalties put money into economically-depressed
areas.
Buys
Time To Develop Renewable Energy
: Natural Gas can serve as
a bridge fuel to a 21st century energy economy that relies on
efficiency, renewable sources, and low-carbon fossil fuels.
CON
FRACKING
Severe
Water and Air Pollution:
Extracting natural gas by fracking leads to major pollution of wells.
This has caused numerous cases of severe health problems for both
humans and animals.
Fracking
Has Led To Earthquakes:
Several earthquakes, including eleven in Youngstown, have been linked
either to the hydraulic fracturing process or to wells for disposal
of spent fracking fluids.
Requires
Large Amounts Of Water:
The fracking process can require around large amounts of water.
Fracking is exempt from the Safe Drinking Water Act of 2005, thus
allowing companies to conceal the chemicals used in the process.
Concerns about these chemicals include carcinogens and radioactive
waste.
Large Clean-up Costs : Drilling leaves behind damaged roads, damaged land, and an unsafe environment. Real estate values plummet.
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