Fracking’s cons outweigh economic benefits

Patricia Fisher , Staff Writer

Fracking (a short term for ‘hydraulic fracturing’) is energy production that roughly 15.3 million Americans are affected by, both positively and negatively.

Fracking uses high-pressure liquid to dig into subterranean rocks and boreholes to extract gas and oil from the ground. The most popular type of fracking is called hydraulic, as liquid is used to extract.

The horizontal process is a technique that first became wide spread in the 1990s. The hydraulic drill cuts a hole into the ground and encases the well. Then fracking fluid is pumped into the well at extremely high pressures. The rock that the pressure is being applied to cracks, causing small pathways for the gas and oil to flow through. Then the gas or oil is pumped to the surface along with millions of gallons of “flow back.”

The access to this alternative source of fuel, along with more available jobs for Americans, causes this to be a big hit in the work force.

But there are many negatives to the process.  On con is the use of large amounts of water which can cause a possible water contamination and ruin local drinking water, which causes sickness, and in worst cases death. The triggering of an earthquake can also cause local destruction. Lastly the use of hazardous chemicals is dangerous.

fracking has employed many jobless Americans and gives people a chance to lower taxes.  But there is less focus on the fact that it is destroying our water and planet. There is more focus on how it’s a great thing, but what about the bad? The mistakes that people have made? Oil spills, gas leakage, polluted water and air. We need a safer alternative or banning of fracking.