The issue today is tapping into the Marcellus Shale here in upstate New York. There is both strong support for and against drilling. While enslaving the energy in the shale my benefit us now, some argue that it won't in the near future. Those on the pro-drilling side argue that allowing companies to extract this fuel will stimulate local economies and allow for growth. But the opposition makes a valid retort, saying primarily that the methods used to extract the natural gas would be very harmful to us and the environment locally. The argument between the two is mainly focused on Hydrofracturing. It's a process in which water and chemicals are forced into the shale, cracking -fracturing- it in order to extract more natural gas. While this is beneficial because it allows us to make more out of the resources we already have, it comes at a heavy cost. Each well requires millions of gallons of water and chemicals to be pumped deep into the ground, possibly to stay there forever. This is concerning two fold. We are both squandering our limited fresh water by putting it in the earth, and we're polluting our planet with unknown consequences.
I don't really know where to stand on this issue as an immediate fuel source. Generally, I'm against drilling more wells than we already have, but natural gas is both cleaner to extract and less expensive. In the future it might be more prudent to tap into this resource, because it's safer and less damaging than it's competitors, and because it will stimulate the local economy. But, I don't think it's necessary to drill immediately.
Since the main concerns of anti-drilling groups were largely addressed and made moot points by the pro-drilling groups, leading me to support them. But, the concern by the anti-drilling groups is valid, and should not be overlooked.
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