“It is true some companies have harmed the environment by pursuing careless drilling and waste disposal practices. Nevertheless, many accounts of the negative impacts of fracking have been exaggerated. The EPA, in its recent assessment of the impact of fracking on drinking water, did not find evidence of widespread, systemic effects of fracking on water resources.”
“Evidence supports the assertion that disposal of wastewater and other fluids associated with fracking has caused some earthquakes. But these earthquakes have been comparatively mild and caused little or no damage.”
“Because of fracking, the future looks bright for northern and western Pennsylvania. Not only does fracking employ people directly and result in lower natural gas prices, but it also contributes to the growth of other industries that use or process natural gas.”
After losing hundreds of thousands of manufacturing jobs over several decades, Pennsylvania may soon experience a manufacturing renaissance.
Due to the growth of natural gas production through hydraulic fracking, Shell announced that it is planning to build a petrochemical plant in western Pennsylvania to manufacture ethylene from natural gas. The plant will employ 600 workers permanently in addition to thousands of construction workers.
This is only the beginning, since the ethylene manufactured from this plant can be used to produce plastics, rubber, and other essential products. With ethylene being produced locally, firms producing these other everyday products may soon invest in western Pennsylvania too.
Because of fracking, the future looks bright for northern and western Pennsylvania. Not only does fracking employ people directly and result in lower natural gas prices, but it also contributes to the growth of other industries that use or process natural gas.
Opponents of fracking, and activists who want to reduce CO2 emissions, support policies that would discourage this kind of development. The future of Pennsylvania in particular, and of the US in general, will be brighter if the government does not discourage fracking, and the extraction and use of fossil fuels.
Opponents of fracking are concerned about its environmental impact. Stories of methane in drinking water and other harmful effects of fracking have proliferated. Others raise concerns about earthquakes that have been triggered by fracking.
It is true some companies have harmed the environment by pursuing careless drilling and waste disposal practices. Nevertheless, many accounts of the negative impacts of fracking have been exaggerated. The EPA, in its recent assessment of the impact of fracking on drinking water, did not find evidence of widespread, systemic effects of fracking on water resources.
Evidence supports the assertion that disposal of wastewater and other fluids associated with fracking has caused some earthquakes. But these earthquakes have been comparatively mild and caused little or no damage.
Inexpensive fossil fuels play a critical role in supporting the high standards of living that we enjoy. To be cost competitive, renewable energy requires subsidies funded by taxpayers. Natural gas is not only an inexpensive source of energy, but it burns cleaner than coal.
Renewable energy, such as wind or solar energy, is more expensive and less reliable than fossil fuel. Fossil fuels have contributed to recent increases in standards of living for the masses in China and India. Fossil fuels, like natural gas, can be used to generate affordable electricity, which can replace traditional renewable fuel sources like dung and wood. Widespread use of these two fuels in low income countries contributes to respiratory and other problems for many people.
As natural gas production rises, US firms can also export liquefied natural gas to the rest of the world. If we export liquefied natural gas, additional American jobs will be created to build and operate plants to convert the gas to liquid. Americans can also benefit from the goods we import in exchange for the exported gas.
Although many are concerned that the world is running out of nonrenewable energy, because of fracking we can continue to enjoy inexpensive fossil fuel based energy for many years.
It is important that firms involved in fracking take appropriate precautions to reduce the impact of their activities on air pollution and to preserve the quality of surface and ground water near their wells.
In Pennsylvania, the Department of Environmental protection should be vigilant to enforce environmental standards for companies engaged in fracking. If they do, the growth of fracking should benefit almost all residents of Pennsylvania, and other states with large natural gas deposits.
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Tracy C. Miller was formerly associate professor of economics and fellow for the center for Vision and Values at Grove City College.
Dr. Miller received his Ph.D. in economics from the University of Chicago; his Masters in agricultural economics from Michigan State University; his B.S. in forestry from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. He is a Fellow and Contributing Writer for the Cornwall Alliance for the Stewardship of Creation.
Bravo, Dr. Miller !!
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