Natural Gas Hydraulic Fracturing And Its Effect On The Econo

Natural Gas Hydraulic Fracturing And Its Effect On The Economy And Env

Natural Gas Hydraulic Fracturing and its effect on the economy and environment

Natural Gas Hydraulic Fracturing and its effect on the economy and environment Specific purpose for this speech: To persuade the audience to accept and support gas fracturing to harvest gas Central idea: As a nation the United States needs to take steps to discover alternate sources of energy. With our growing demand for all types of energy and dependence on foreign sources of energy, natural gas fracturing can bring revenue and independence from our energy concerns. Introduction I. Attention Material A. The economy has benefited by a process known as hydraulic fracturing or simply “fracking,” since the year 1947. The process starts with drilling beneath the surface to extract natural gas that is located within the rocks. Water, along with other components is released beneath the surface which fractures (fracks) the deep rock to create the passage for the gas to reach the surface. Once the gas has reached the surface it enters the wells that were created for collection. From there the gas is ready to be pot and sold. B. With the current turmoil in the Persian Gulf, and the amount of energy the United States consumes, we’re quickly running out of fossil fuels. Our dependence on foreign energy can be significantly reduced if natural gas can be harnessed as a primary energy source. C. With all the rise in hydraulic fracturing harvesting plants, several job opportunities have become available for Americans. Job opportunities started rising as drilling and fracking of the natural gas became more common. Job creation is key to avoiding economic failure. States that currently allow fracking are reporting revenue gains in the millions and billions of dollars. D. While we agree that natural gas fracking and the environmental regulations should be more strictly regulated, it is not as harmful to the environment as some would make you believe. States are already taking measures to ensure the environment and communities are protected. With such regulations in place and further measures taking shape, the benefits of gas fracking far outweigh the risks. I. Thesis (Conclusion): The process of hydraulic fracturing in the current economy has become more refined, the jobs and income it brings provide a myriad of opportunities. Crucial independence from foreign imported energy. While some tout this process as harmful and damaging, it’s actually regulated, and multiple studies by government agencies have been done. Fracking is the energy of the future. II. Preview of Main Points: Today we will discuss how a new energy resource has become available, along with the job opportunities, and how hydraulic fracturing is less harmful than oil drilling itself. The basics of hydraulic fracturing have already been discussed, so we will move into detail on how this process is beneficial. Body: I. The need for a new energy source, and independence from foreign energy A. Our energy consumption 1. Oil is our largest source of energy, it provides for approximately 1/3 or our total energy consumption. B. Replacing oil with natural gas 1. Natural gas is an abundant resource throughout the United States and would lower transportation costs for energy resources. C. Dependence on foreign energy 1. The United States would not be at the mercy of other countries because of a dependence on foreign oil, this would allow foreign policy to be negotiated without having to consider oil supplies. (Transition): Using natural gas can provide a new source of clean-burning energy. A new energy source is crucial to rid our dependence from foreign oil. Our dependence on oil has created turmoil in recent years, and former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge feels, “The more natural gas the United States extracts from shale rock, the safer the country will be.” Many people feel that the United States is willing to accept certain behaviors internationally as a result of our foreign oil dependence. This will also create jobs and generate income. II. The income and job generation. A. Income generated in eastern states tops 1 billion dollars 1. If the United States were to focus on the energy source of natural gas within the borders of the United States it would allow for more Americans to be employed in the industry and keep more of our energy dollars within our own country. B. Job generation 1. More than 72,000 gas jobs have been filled since 2009, many due to the increase in horizontal drilling and fracking for natural gas, according to statistics from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry C. The boom in harvesting plants over the last 20 years. 1. The increase in harvesting plants has already created thousands of jobs in the past twenty years that have allowed workers that were losing jobs in other industries to become employed in this growing field; this trend could continue indefinitely. (Transition) These facts prove these hydraulic fracturing plants will generate billions in revenue, and create hundreds of thousands of jobs. Jobs and revenue crucial to the future economic success of America. III. While stricter regulations are needed, government and lawmakers have established environmental standards, which are regulated. A. Safe Drinking Water Act and EPA study 1. The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) of 1974 was created to protect the quality of public drinking water. With gas fracking, and groundwater contamination being a main concern, the Environmental Protection Agency conducted a study. The study to determine the dangers of gas fracking concluded that hydraulic fracturing poses little or no threat to underground sources of drinking water. Though these findings were disputed. B. Chemicals and public disclosure 1. In 1986, Congress enacted the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA). The community right to know provisions of the EPCRA are the most relevant part of the law for shale gas producers. Activists against gas fracking will try and tell you that “frackers” are not disclosing this information, however, shale gas production facilities do not normally store the dangerous materials required to be reported by the EPCRA. With the exception being hydrochloric acid (a weaker acid), and only then the HCl is stored for a few days at a time. C. States are already taking steps to provide tougher regulations 1. According to the Associated Press, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed the nation’s strictest regulations into law on June 17, 2013. The Governor stated the law will, “unlock the potential” for thousands of jobs while protecting the environment. This law has been touted as a potential model for other states. Conclusion I. Review of Key Points A. Today we spoke with you about the critical need for a new energy source, which will bring with it independence from foreign oil. The amount of revenue, and the jobs that these fracturing operations will provide will be invaluable to future economic success. While we agree the environmental regulations should be more boldly defined and tighter, the fact remains that natural gas fracking is still safer and cleaner than oil. II. Clincher A. Gas fracking would make the United States more independent again. B. Gas fracking would create hundreds of thousands of jobs for American workers and help the homeland economy. C. Gas fracking could and would be highly regulated to make it just as safe as other energy sources in the United States at a lower opportunity cost of Americans.

Paper For Above instruction

Natural gas hydraulic fracturing, commonly known as fracking, has revolutionized the energy industry in the United States over the past several decades. This process involves drilling deep beneath the earth’s surface and injecting water mixed with chemicals to fracture rock formations, releasing trapped natural gas for commercial use. The rise of hydraulic fracturing has significantly impacted the U.S. economy and environment, sparking debates about its benefits and risks. This paper explores the economic advantages of fracking, including job creation and revenue generation, along with the environmental concerns and regulations that aim to mitigate potential harm.

Economic Benefits of Hydraulic Fracturing

One of the primary reasons nations pursue hydraulic fracturing is its economic benefits. Since the inception of fracking technology in 1947, the process has led to substantial economic growth, particularly in regions rich in shale formations across the United States. The U.S. consumes a significant proportion of the world's energy, with oil constituting approximately one-third of its energy consumption. Transitioning from oil to natural gas offers a promising alternative due to its abundance and lower costs for transportation and extraction.

By harnessing natural gas from domestic shale reserves, the United States can diminish its reliance on foreign energy sources, thereby reducing geopolitical vulnerabilities and enhancing national security. Moreover, the economic gains are evident in the revenue generated from fracking activities; states engaged in natural gas extraction report billions in earnings. These revenues support local economies and fund public services, which are crucial for economic stability and growth.

Job creation is another critical aspect of the fracking industry. Since 2009, over 72,000 jobs have been filled in the natural gas sector, with many arising from the expansion of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing techniques. These employment opportunities are vital for communities facing economic decline, providing stable income and revitalizing local economies. The increase in refining and extraction plants not only boosts employment but also stimulates growth in ancillary sectors such as equipment manufacturing and transportation.

Environmental Concerns and Regulatory Measures

Despite its economic advantages, hydraulic fracturing raises environmental concerns. A common allegation is that fracking contaminates groundwater supplies, raises air pollution levels, and causes seismic activity. These risks have prompted regulatory responses at both federal and state levels. For instance, the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) of 1974 was extended to include considerations for fracking, with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducting studies to assess potential groundwater contamination. The EPA’s findings suggest that hydraulic fracturing poses minimal to no threat to underground drinking water, although critics dispute these conclusions, emphasizing the need for strict oversight.

Additionally, transparency regarding the chemicals used in fracking has been a contentious issue. Several laws, such as the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA), require companies to disclose chemical usage, but shale gas operators report that most dangerous substances are stored temporarily or not at all, except for weaker acids like hydrochloric acid, which are stored in small quantities for short periods. Some states, including Illinois, have responded by enacting stringent regulations to ensure industry accountability and environmental protection. These measures aim to balance economic benefits with environmental safety.

Furthermore, ongoing innovations and stricter regulations can improve the safety and sustainability of hydraulic fracturing. With comprehensive oversight, including rigorous environmental standards and continuous monitoring, the industry can mitigate adverse impacts. This regulatory approach helps foster public confidence and ensures the long-term viability of natural gas as an energy source.

Conclusion

In conclusion, hydraulic fracturing presents a compelling case as a key component of the United States’ energy future. It offers significant economic benefits, including job creation, increased state revenues, and enhanced energy independence. While environmental concerns remain, they are increasingly being addressed through legislation and technological innovation. When appropriately regulated, fracking can supply cleaner, more affordable energy while safeguarding the environment. As the nation seeks sustainable and strategic energy solutions, supporting hydraulic fracturing remains a pragmatic choice that promotes economic growth and energy security.

Supporting the development of domestic natural gas through hydraulic fracturing is crucial for strengthening the American economy, reducing reliance on foreign resources, and promoting environmentally responsible energy practices. Future investments in regulation and technology will ensure that fracking continues to serve as an engine of prosperity and environmental stewardship.

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