Fracking: A Modern New Gold Rush

Fracking, also know as hydraulic fracturing, is the process of pushing water down into a well to crack a rock containing natural gasses. Why is this important? There are natural gas wells in abundance around the United States that have yet to be tapped.

Hydraulic fracturing is the new gold rush. The companies pay workers a decent wage, which they can make a living off of. This has lead to an expanse of the economy around hydraulic fracturing facilities. During the 2012 United States election, hydraulic fracturing stimulated the economy with cheaper prices on anything made from natural gas.

Within a few years, the United States could become energy self-sufficient, even become a provider of energy around the world. These wells contain more natural fuel than the populace has ever thought possible. With the use of hydraulic fracturing there is no possibility of the United States running dry of natural fuel.

In any system there is a risk of complications. That is also possible in hydraulic fracturing, but the risk is manageable. These problems with hydraulic fracturing are often the case of a protocol or standard not being upheld.

There is a fear of emissions from hydraulic fracturing that could cause problems in the atmosphere, but this has been deemed a negligible element of the operation. With the advent of new technology and advances, the fear of hydraulic fracturing causing problems with the atmosphere is an unlikelihood. In fact, the emissions are only abundant for the first day or two after the deposit has been fractured. The chemicals that are released after the well has been punctured fill the air, release into the atmosphere and provide no further issues. The deposit does not continuously produce these toxic gases.

A more pressing concern is the possibility that hydraulic fracturing could contaminate the water. A hydraulic fracturing site could use up to 8 million gallons of water. The entire industry uses up to one percent of the United States’ water. The toxic water is placed inside a deep injection well. The water is far below Earth’s water table, which means it will never return for another cycle.

Fracking has numerous advantages with minor concerns over technique. As the industry grows, the technology will make up for the short falls of the process. Even in the short term, hydraulic fracturing is a necessary process to acquire natural fuels.