Fracking

by Anne C. Cunningham (Editor)

Overview

On the surface, fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, seems like a perfect solution to the country’s energy crises. It is a relatively easy and independent way to supply natural gas. But controversies surround the practice. The process involved in fracking has been shown to be harmful to the environment and a threat to our public health. Do the benefits of fracking outweigh the costs? Can improvements be made to the process that would eliminate its dangers? Should the government get more involved in regulating fracking, or should it be up to the people?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781534501034
Publisher:	Greenhaven Publishing
Publication date:	07/30/2017
Series:	Current Controversies Series
Pages:	184
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.70(d)
Age Range:	15 - 17 Years

Table of Contents

Foreword 11

Introduction 14

Chapter 1 Will Fracking Eliminate Our Dependency on Coal?

Overview: The Costs and Benefits of Fracking John Wihbey 18

Yes: Fracking Is a Viable Substitute for Coal

Fracking Is an Important Part of Our Energy Future Max Luke Ted Nordhaus Michael Shellenberger Alex Trembath 25

Fracking Is Helpful in the Short Term Alison Singer 33

Coal Seam Gas Can Provide Australia With Clean Energy Dennis Cooke 37

No: Fracking Is a Poor Substitute for Coal Energy

Fracking Does Little to Negate Climate Change Christine Ottery 42

Natural Gas Will Not Solve the World's Energy Problems Gail Tverberg 48

The Energy Industry Downplays the Many Dangers of Fracking Reynard Loki 60

Chapter 2 Is Fracking Better Better for the Environment?

Overview: What Is Fracking's Effect on the Environment? Steve Rushton 71

Yes: Fracking Produces Far Fewer Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Methane Leaks From Fracking Is a Technical Problem We Can Solve Roger Real Drouin 83

Study Shows Methane Emission from Fracking Is Low Steve Everley 89

Sierra Club Credits Natural gas for Reducing Carbon Emissions Seth Whitehead 94

No: Fracking-Related Methane Leaks Could Push Climate Change over the "Tipping Point"

People Near Fracking Sites see increased risk of Health Problem: National Resource Defense Council 98

Fracking $$$ Jesse Coleman 102

Fracking Will Not Reduce Net Greenhouse Gas Emission Alex Kirby 105

Chapter 3 Does Fracking Endanger Our Water Supply?

Overview: There Is Conflict About Fracking's Impact on the Water Supply?: Greenpeace 109

Yes: Fracking Is Very Dangerous to Drinking Water Supplies

Fracking Waste Contaminates Groundwater Gayathri Vaidyanathan 117

EPA Study Identifies Risk of Water Contamination from Fracking Elizabeth Shogren 124

$$$ Scott Tong 128

No: Drinking Water Isn't Anywhere Near Oil and Gas Deposits in the Ground

Fracking Fluids Do Not Migrate into Drinking Water Katie Brown 132

Fracking Does Not Contaminate Aquifers Brian D. Drollette Desiree L. Plata 136

Chapter 4 Will Fracking Lead to Natural Disasters?

Overview: Fracking Is a Boon for Energy Production but May Damage the Environment Leighton Walter Kille 142

Yes: It Is Unwise to Proceed with Fracking Before Its Consequences Are Understood

Oil and Gas Industry Activity Causes Earthquakes Kelly Connelly David Barer Yana Skorobogatov 151

Fracking Causes Earthquakes Matthew Hornbach 158

No: Earthquakes Are Complex Natural Phenomena

There Is Little Scientific Evidence Linking Fracking to Earthquakes Marita Noon 162

Experts Say Fracking Not the Cause of Oklahoma Earthquakes Seth Whitehead 167

Organizations to Contact 174

Bibliography 178

Index 181