John's Reflection:
When I was studying this topic I learned about the many pros, cons, issues and point of views about fracking. This paragraph is about what I think about fracking. Fracking gives people jobs because people must be hired to drill the wells, bring water to frack the and maintain to the wells. The US EPA (environmental protection agency) states that hydraulic fracking makes a lot more gas and oil available to people.
However some of the chemicals used in fracking fluids, such as mercury and lead do not seem safe for the environment. The disposal methods of fracking fluids also don’t seem safe or good for the environment. Fracking companies say they either let the left over fracking fluids evaporate or put them in the ground. One more thing that makes fracking look bad is that even web sites that are pro for fracking say that only 10-30% of the fracking fluids are recovered when people frack a well. I think that fracking should be done in areas where no people live. Fracking should be done in these areas because even though the fracking process takes place really deep underground there are still cases of groundwater contamination. After studying this topic I decided that fracking is bad where people live and is okay where people don’t live.
Lyle’s Reflection:
This article was very resourceful and helpful, especially after a little concentration (and a donut)! By reading this article, I found out about the advantages and disadvantages of using natural gas for an energy source. I now understand more about the fracking process and the possible dangers it could create. The author makes a good point that if it is done very carefully, fracking seems to pollute the environment less than using coal for energy. However, there is a lot of work to be done to be sure the environment is protected when we use natural gas. Also, if the drillers don’t know what they’re doing, then burning coal seems like a better option, and that is saying something. Even though this article tells us a little bit about how bad fracking is, it also tells us about how important natural gas is to our way of living.
Many people have strong opinions about fracking. Some say that it’s a very resourceful way to get energy, while some say that it’s horrible for the environment. I feel torn, because it’s true that fracking is a better way to get energy instead of burning coal, but it’s also relevant that it is terrible for the environment. “Some studies have shown that natural gas could, in fact, be worse for the climate than coal.”-Jeff Goodell This seems to be a powerful statement, because it refers to studies showing facts. First, each fracking job takes about 400 tanker trucks to get all the fuels and chemicals needed. Next, it takes 1-8 million gallons of water per fracturing job, and some people wonder why we’re in a drought! Last, fracking is a major health problem. Some of the contaminated water can get into our water system, and then where would we be? “Countries around the world are celebrating new oil and natural gas discoveries that hold the promise of greater prosperity for their citizens.”-Bob Beauprez. Fracking also helps people by producing natural gases that provide energy. As you can see, fracking is good in some ways, and bad in others, and who knows? Maybe the government will make a law saying that fracking is illegal, or it might continue for the rest of time. Either way, we should be sure to minimize the downsides of fracking if we continue to do it.
Conner's Reflection:
I think that this article was very helpful because I learned about the ups and the downs of the fracking. Although fracking is bad, it doesn't really matter if you’re in the middle of nowhere, plus it does provide much cheaper energy.
This website is focused on how Hydraulic Fracking is good but I’m not so sure that this is always the case. Fracking does pollute water systems and the air. Contaminated water could also get into our water system which would be really bad considering that we are in a drought. As you can see, fracking can be both very helpful and dangerous in two very different ways.
Darragh's Reflection:
The article California Plans Tighter Control of Fracking, but Not Enough for Some was mostly about fracking in CA. I learned about the laws and regulations concerning fracking. I think fracking is horrible because it pollutes the water system and can cause animals and people to die. Arlington TX Barnett Shale Blogger states that at least three people have died from the water pollution. The pipes carrying chemicals break and then the chemicals gets into the water making it flammable.
Fracking is harmful in many ways. It requires clearing land of animals, plants, and humans. Fracking uses a lot of water, a precious resource, and results in surface water that contains chemicals, heavy metals, minerals, and salts, according to the USA Today article “4 States Confirm Water Pollution”. As you can see fracking is an unhealthy process by which to obtain fuel.