Hydraulic Fracturing
Hydraulic fracturing, commonly known as “fracking,” is a process used in the oil and gas industry that involves injecting large amounts of water, sand, and chemicals into the ground at high pressure. This process creates fractures in rock formations, allowing oil, gas, and other hydrocarbons to flow out and be collected. While it has existed since the 1940s, significant advances in technology over the past decade have allowed companies to access large, previously inaccessible oil and gas resources with hydraulic fracturing.
Hydraulic fracturing has been very effective in boosting oil and gas production around the world, as well in the United States. In fact, the use of hydraulic fracturing has enabled the United States to become the world’s top energy producer, surpassing both Russia and Saudi Arabia in 2018.
The main issue surrounding hydraulic fracturing is that it involves injecting large amounts of water and chemicals into the ground, which can damage water supplies and contaminate nearby soil and air. The high pressure used in the process can also cause earthquakes and other seismic activity. In addition to these physical risks, hydraulic fracturing is also a major contributor to climate change, as it produces large amounts of greenhouse gases during its operation.
Because of these concerns, hydraulic fracturing has become a controversial issue for many people in the United States and around the world. Most environmentalists oppose it, believing it has a serious negative impact on the environment. However, many industry proponents argue that the environmental impact of hydraulic fracturing is low and greatly outweighed by the economic benefits.
The debate surrounding hydraulic fracturing remains unresolved, as fuel production companies and environmentalists continue to disagree as to whether its use is safe and beneficial. Despite the controversy, hydraulic fracturing is likely to remain a major contributor to energy production in the United States, and around the world, for years to come.
