Hydraulic Fracturing Research Paper

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Hydraulic Fracturing: The Impact on our Environment and our Economy The Legal Environment Professor Sered August 18, 2013 Table of Contents Intro Environmental & Economical Issues Laws regarding Hydraulic Fracturing President’s Executive Order on Hydraulic Fracturing U.S. Energy Needs Opinion Conclusion Works Cited Hydraulic Fracturing: The Impact on our Environment and our Economy There has been a lot of controversy in the last decade on Hydraulic Fracturing. There are two very important things to remember when you are discussing this topic. One is ‘what is the impact that hydraulic fracturing has on our environment?’ Secondly, ‘How great will hydraulic fracturing improve our economic condition?’ These two subjects…show more content…
The EPA website states the following: “There have been well-documented air quality impacts in areas with active natural gas development, with increases in emissions of methane, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). EPA, the Department of the Interior, other federal agencies and states are working to better characterize and reduce these air emissions and their associated impacts. Through the Natural Gas STAR program, EPA and partner companies have identified technologies and practices that can cost-effectively reduce methane emissions from the oil and natural gas sector in the U.S. and abroad. Through the Clean Construction USA program, EPA is promoting newer, more efficient technology and cleaner fuels to innovate the ways in which hydraulic fracturing equipment and vehicles reduce emissions. EPA also administers Clean Air Act regulations for oil and natural gas production, including regulations on reporting greenhouse gas emissions.” (United States Environmental Protection Agency,…show more content…
It shows that the oil and gas industry has had several breakthroughs with technology, including hydraulic fracturing. These breakthroughs have found ways to make hydro fracking more environmentally friendly and cost efficient. With any technological developments, there are consequences. For example, there is the possibility of polluting the water supply with chemicals. There is the possible pollution of air as well. Contamination could make anyone who depends on a healthy ecosystem to earn a living could become ill or potentially have their livelihood destroyed. This shows that hydraulic fracturing could be very dangerous. However, although there are negative effects to hydraulic fracturing, there are also positive ways to look at these technological breakthroughs. Hydraulic fracturing can and has helped many communities receive economic gains, thanks to the increase in gas and oil production. One could also look at the number of jobs that such innovations can bring to the table. On top of all that, there has been an economic boost due to the royalties and taxes compensated to the counties and
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