Fracking for Freedom The United states has been feeling the squeeze for natural resources and domesticated production of products over the last few years. (“Dimick”) With gas prices rising and the threat of pollution in the air the people have been looking for alternative solutions to the problems facing us today. Over the last decade or so a new trend in the way we extract our natural gases has gained popularity. Hydraulic fracturing better known now as “fracking” has become the most worthwhile option for business's. “According to the Energy Information Administration, shale gas will account for nearly half of the natural gas produced in the U.S. by 2035.” (McGraw) Fracking has to potential to be a temporary feasible option to solve our energy
…show more content…
Fracking isn't exactly “new.” The earliest days of fracking can be traced back to 1865 with Lt. Col. Edward A. L. Roberts’ original patents. The process used to involve using dynamite and nitroglycerine. “Our business since Colonel Roberts’ day has concerned lowering high explosives charges into oil wells in the Appalachian area to blast fractures into the oil bearing sand,” says Tallini. (“Shooters”) Other options for oil ended up taking over due to fracking still being too costly. ("Is Fracking a Good Idea?") Todays hydraulic fracturing process is done by “...drilling and injecting fluid into the ground at a high pressure in order to fracture shale rocks to release natural gas inside.” ("What Goes In & Out of Hydraulic Fracking.") New technologies and methods developed along with the rising of natural resource prices, made this a real option in the last decade. Horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing have made natural gas trapped thousands of feet underground in shale rock accessible for companies to extract. A concern for some has been that fracking is depleting our sources of drinking water with a single fracking well consuming 7 million gallons of water. Around 30% of that chemically treated water is lost deep in
Fracking isn't exactly “new.” The earliest days of fracking can be traced back to 1865 with Lt. Col. Edward A. L. Roberts’ original patents. The process used to involve using dynamite and nitroglycerine. “Our business since Colonel Roberts’ day has concerned lowering high explosives charges into oil wells in the Appalachian area to blast fractures into the oil bearing sand,” says Tallini. (“Shooters”) Other options for oil ended up taking over due to fracking still being too costly. ("Is Fracking a Good Idea?") Todays hydraulic fracturing process is done by “...drilling and injecting fluid into the ground at a high pressure in order to fracture shale rocks to release natural gas inside.” ("What Goes In & Out of Hydraulic Fracking.") New technologies and methods developed along with the rising of natural resource prices, made this a real option in the last decade. Horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing have made natural gas trapped thousands of feet underground in shale rock accessible for companies to extract. A concern for some has been that fracking is depleting our sources of drinking water with a single fracking well consuming 7 million gallons of water. Around 30% of that chemically treated water is lost deep in