The Pros And Cons Of Fracking

Hydraulic fracturing, better known as fracking, is a controversial method of extracting gas and oil by injecting liquids at high pressures into the ground to force open fissures. Although fracking has been around for over half a century, it still remains a very debated topic and for good reason. Fracking has the potential to create jobs, reduce dependence on foreign oil sources, and lower taxes, among many other positive effects. However, fracking is also dangerous to the environment is numerous ways and can have adverse effects on not only wildlife, but humans as well. Fracking is then, clearly controversial, and raises the question, should we expand fracking? Fracking has been around since the later half the 20th century, however, it was …show more content…
Many of the negative side effects of fracking effect the environment and the health and wellbeing of not only wildlife, but also the human population. As of 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimated that 35,00 wells in the United States require 70 to 140 billion gallons of water to fracture. This compares to the water consumption of 40 to 80 cities. The direct impact of this water usage is depletion of fresh water supplies, and damage to local infrastructure as all of the water must be transported by trucks. The water must also be disposed of after use. Depending on the way the wastewater is disposed of, it can cause groundwater contamination as well as seismic activity if injected into Class II underground injection control wells. In then becomes clear that fracking, although an economically viable option, is ultimately incredibly damaging to our aquatic resources, our health, infrastructure, and …show more content…
However, fracking is something being discussed all year round, and each states and countries face their own set of problems when it comes to fracking. According to newstalk.com, Dali, Ireland, just passed a bill that bans onshore fracking. And, in Wisconsin, the Supreme Court upheld their decision to deny a permit to open a new sand mine for the use of hydraulic fracking(usnews.com). Fracking is still a highly relevant issue, and is something that should be researched and discussed thoroughly. And, while many states and even countries are resisting fracking, it is still something that progresses. The investment returns of fracking are so economically viable, that it is well on its way to becoming the dominant method of extraction in 2017 (Forbes). So, what is it that should be done