What the frack? Why is fracturing, better known as fracking, for natural gas is deprecated in the United States? After all, it is called “natural” (ironically speaking). Natural gas is a much more appropriate alternative method for weaning off of fossil fuels and into renewable resources.
I graduated from Wilmington Early College High School and am currently a freshman at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I am in an environmental and global policy course, which is why it may seem ironic that I am pushing for shale gas extraction. I understand the environmental effects of fracking but, as Machiavelli would say, “the ends justify the means”. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, natural gas produces 43% fewer carbon …show more content…
I am all for renewable resources. I also strongly agree that natural gas is our way to wean off coal and slowly enter into renewable energy sources. I would just like to compare how natural gas can still win over renewable resources in one aspect. Let’s take a look at wind energy. As a renewable energy source, wind energy requires an immense amount of space to place the turbines. The best area to place wind turbines is by the coast because that is where winds are the strongest. To my fellow Wilmingtonians, where do you live? Yes, by the coast! Realtors, have fun trying to sell an oceanfront property that includes a obstructed view of Wrightsville Beach.
Unlike coal extraction, fracking is a fairly new process. If our local, state, and federal governments invest more time in placing regulations on fracking, then it would be a widespread practice.
Realistically speaking, our coal supply is not infinite, but we have a large reserve of untouched shale. It’s like having a “no homework pass” in elementary school and never using it. What’s the point? Why not experiment with new ways to obtain energy? Anything we do has a cause and effect. You are not aware of the effects until you try it. In this case, the effects of increasing natural gas extraction has endless benefits such as creating new jobs, lowering gas prices, decreasing the reliance
I graduated from Wilmington Early College High School and am currently a freshman at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I am in an environmental and global policy course, which is why it may seem ironic that I am pushing for shale gas extraction. I understand the environmental effects of fracking but, as Machiavelli would say, “the ends justify the means”. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, natural gas produces 43% fewer carbon …show more content…
I am all for renewable resources. I also strongly agree that natural gas is our way to wean off coal and slowly enter into renewable energy sources. I would just like to compare how natural gas can still win over renewable resources in one aspect. Let’s take a look at wind energy. As a renewable energy source, wind energy requires an immense amount of space to place the turbines. The best area to place wind turbines is by the coast because that is where winds are the strongest. To my fellow Wilmingtonians, where do you live? Yes, by the coast! Realtors, have fun trying to sell an oceanfront property that includes a obstructed view of Wrightsville Beach.
Unlike coal extraction, fracking is a fairly new process. If our local, state, and federal governments invest more time in placing regulations on fracking, then it would be a widespread practice.
Realistically speaking, our coal supply is not infinite, but we have a large reserve of untouched shale. It’s like having a “no homework pass” in elementary school and never using it. What’s the point? Why not experiment with new ways to obtain energy? Anything we do has a cause and effect. You are not aware of the effects until you try it. In this case, the effects of increasing natural gas extraction has endless benefits such as creating new jobs, lowering gas prices, decreasing the reliance