Is Hydraulic Fracturing Good for Americans? (Coursework Sample)

Is Hydraulic Fracturing Good for Americans?
Fracking is the process of extracting natural gas by drilling through shale rocks. Initially, mining companies utilized explosives to access the required material. They later incorporated hydraulic fracturing, which used pressurized silk water and other chemicals to extract the product. Whether or not the United States government should continue using the process to produce natural gas has raised contrasting ideas and arguments. Proponents argue that fracking increases revenue through exportation and minimizes petroleum oil consumption. However, the threats that hydraulic fracturing poses to the environment and people outweigh its benefits. For instance, greenhouse gases like methane can leak into the atmosphere, causing climate changes. Fracking forces the government to increase its budget on resources like water and infrastructure. In addition, the process threatens human life because it contributes to natural disasters like earthquakes. Embracing natural gas consumption in the United States compromises the country’s ability to transit to renewable energy sources. Therefore, the government should address the environmental threats by issuing a ban on hydraulic fracturing and shifting to renewable energy.
Hydraulic fracturing degrades the environment in various ways. Methane can leak during extraction, canceling out the benefits associated with natural gas consumption. According to Meng (3), petroleum systems and natural gas are the leading sources of methane in the United States atmosphere. Various techniques in hydraulic fracturing can contaminate water by turning it flammable and unsafe. Although most mining companies do not disclose the chemicals they utilize during the extraction, methanol might cause congenital issues among pregnant women (Srebotnjak & Rotkin-Ellman, 2). Petroleum distillates and acids required during extraction results in adverse health problems like cancer, nausea, and irritation. Greenhouse gas leakages contribute to global warming, threatening human life through poverty and adverse weather conditions. Since fracking requires enormous pieces of land, it causes deforestation and impacts the biosphere adversely. Deforestation destroys habitats for animals and plays a crucial role in facilitating climate change. In addition, the process distorts the initial landscape by creating hazardous fracking pads. Therefore, hydraulic fracturing undermines environmental sustainability through air, land, and water pollution.
Similarly, fracking consumes substantial amounts of water and requires improved infrastructure, forcing the government to increase its local budget. According to Meng (3), fracking well requires up to 20 million gallons of water, implying that hundreds of wells can result in water wars in specific regions. As a result, the process impacts local water sources and can lead to shortages. The situation compels the government to set aside more funds to mitigate water shortages among locals. In addition, natural gas transportation from fracking wells demands improved infrastructure and regular maintenance. Heavy trucks are more likely to damage local roads, making them inaccessible. Although a small portion of individuals living near fracking wells experiences the burden, measures to address the problems will likely raise government expenditure and impact other citizens through increased taxation. The funds required to maintain roads or address water shortages would be essential in other government projects.