Fracking: The Invention of the Century or Destructive New Technology?

Introduction: Possible quote – someone who supports the processs. Possible story: some analogy of something that was a good, necessary idea but just put off the inevitable and had a negative affect than fix it. Need for energy, how new ideas are necessary

But is fracking really the best option? Public eye, people here about fracking a lot. But is it really a “QUOTE AGAIN”, or something completely different entirely?

Thesis: Hydraulic fracturing is not “the energy solution to the future” (Johnson). Through an in depth look at the current energy crisis, a detailed study of the processes used during fracking, and analysis of the possible health and environmental effects, it is clear that fracking is not a clean, safe way to retrieve energy.

I. Current Energy situation: a. Statistics: (Heywood) i. America’s population is increasing each year ii. Estimated 500 million by 2050, almost 40% increase iii. Individual &nationwide energy use iv. Oil prices increasing obviously unsustainable form of energy for America, devastating to economy (Heywood) v. Obvious that other methods must be put into immediate action II. Process:

1. History of process (Manuel) a. First used 1947 (older technology) b. Modern technique in 1988 (Barnett Shale, Texas) c. Now used in Marcellus Shale on east coast i. West Virginia, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania 2. Basic overview of process (Chemical Engineer) d. Fractures in rock layer as result of pressurized fluid e. Vertically drilled 10,000 ft, horizontal wells f. After initial hole drilled, pipe w/small holes drill hole g. Fissures in rock created (during drilling) h. Combination of water, sand, and chemicals pressurized down drill hole with...

Continues for 2 more pages »