Why is Fracking Good for the Environment?

Fracking, also known as hydraulic fracturing, is a process that has unlocked massive natural gas reserves across the world.

Fracking could help fight climate change by providing affordable energy and reducing dependence on dirty fossil fuels.

This article explores the complex relationship between fracking, natural gas, and the environment.

Why is Fracking Good for the Environment?

Fracking could be a net positive for the climate and environment if done responsibly, with proper safety regulations, oversight, and best practices.

The increase in natural gas has already displaced dirtier coal power, resulting in lower U.S. carbon emissions.

Key Points

• Fracking enables domestic natural gas production, displacing higher-carbon coal.
• Natural gas emits 50-60% less CO2 and far fewer air pollutants than coal.
• Responsible fracking with oversight can provide energy while mitigating risks.

How Does Fracking Access Natural Gas?

Fracking enables energy companies to extract oil and gas from shale rock formations deep underground.

The process involves drilling deep vertical wells, then drilling horizontal bores out from the vertical well.

Fracturing fluid made of water, sand, and chemicals are pumped into the wells at high pressure, creating small fractures in the shale rock to release the trapped oil and gas.

This combination of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing makes it economical to extract fossil fuels from low-permeability shale and other tight rock formations.

Fracking has unlocked vast reserves of oil and natural gas across North America, significantly boosting domestic energy production.

Why is Natural Gas Better for the Environment?

When burned for electricity, natural gas emits 50-60% less carbon dioxide compared to coal.

It also produces far fewer air pollutants like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.

This makes natural gas a cleaner transitional fuel as renewables like solar and wind expand.

The shale gas boom has already led to coal plant closures in the U.S. as cheap natural gas overtakes coal for electricity generation.

The transition from dirty coal power to cleaner natural gas has contributed to a decline in U.S. greenhouse gas emissions over the past decade.

Doesn’t Fracking Contaminate Groundwater?

There are pollution risks if fracking wells are poorly constructed or regulated.

However, multiple studies have found no evidence of widespread groundwater contamination from fracking fluids or methane when proper precautions are taken.

Constructing gas wells with proper steel casings and cement seals prevents fracking fluid from leaking out.

Testing groundwater before and after drilling also helps detect any potential contamination.

If done responsibly, the risks of water pollution from fracking are very low.

How Does Fracking Impact Local Communities?

Rapid shale gas development can strain local communities dealing with an influx of out-of-town workers and increased truck traffic.

Air and noise pollution from drilling rigs can also disturb residents living near fracking sites.

However, natural gas development brings extensive royalties to landowners and tax revenues to local governments.

It also creates new jobs in places that often lack economic opportunities.

With thoughtful planning and regulation, fracking can be done in a way that balances economic benefits with community impacts.

Doesn’t Fracking Cause Earthquakes?

The deep wastewater disposal wells used to store fracking fluid have been linked to a small increase in seismic activity in places like Oklahoma and Ohio.

However, the proper response is to enact regulations governing these disposal wells to minimize earthquake risks.

Outright bans on fracking itself are not warranted, as the earthquakes originate from underground injection activities rather than the initial fracking process.

With oversight, wastewater can be safely disposed of or recycled.

Is Fracking Bad for the Climate?

Some argue that fracking prolongs dependence on fossil fuels and undermines the transition to renewable energy.

But natural gas is displacing higher-carbon coal, buying time to scale up wind and solar.

Renewables still need reliable backups until storage improves.

Rather than banning fracking, the focus should be on tightening methane leakage standards and ensuring gas does not just replace zero-carbon sources like nuclear.

Used strategically, natural gas can complement growing renewables and accelerate coal power phase-outs.

Doesn’t Fracking Worsen Air Pollution?

Fracking sites can release air pollutants like volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and methane due to factors like leaky equipment.

However, emissions vary substantially depending on the site.

Tighter regulations on leak detection and repair, like those rolled out in Colorado, can significantly cut pollution.

When displacing dirty coal power, the net effect of fracking and natural gas usage is reduced air pollution.

But continued efforts to limit methane leakage and other emissions at every stage are still needed.

Is Fracking Safe Enough with Regulations?

Fracking presents risks, but they can be managed if operations adhere to reasonable regulations and best practices.

Many states have updated their oil and gas rules to ensure greater protection of water resources and communities.

While banning fracking nationwide would eliminate its risks, it would also forfeit potential climate and economic benefits.

With vigilance and oversight, fracking can be conducted safely instead of being prohibited outright.

Doesn’t Fracking Destroy Natural Landscapes?

Fracking sites and related infrastructure like pipelines can fragment wildlife habitats and threaten biodiversity if not properly sited.

Careful regional planning is needed to minimize surface disturbances.

However, when done responsibly, only a small fraction of subsurface shale formations tapped by fracking are affected.

And consolidating multiple well pads further reduces land impacts. Setbacks from ecologically sensitive areas also help.

Should Fracking Be Permitted on Public Lands?

Around 25% of U.S. natural gas comes from federal public lands.

Banning fracking on these lands would mean forfeiting this resource and relying more heavily on imports.

Instead of blanket bans, the federal government should update its fracking regulations to ensure proper environmental protections, royalty payments, and planning.

This allows environmentally responsible development of America’s public oil and gas reserves.

What are the 5 pros of fracking?

Fracking has several major advantages that support its continued usage.

First, fracking has enabled a boom in domestic shale oil and natural gas production, reducing American reliance on imported fuels.

Second, the increase in natural gas unlocked by fracking emits 50-60% less CO2 than coal when used for electricity generation.

Third, natural gas produces far fewer air pollutants like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter compared to coal-fired power plants.

Fourth, the influx of cheap natural gas has caused some old coal plants to shut down in favor of building newer natural gas plants.

Fifth, this shift from coal to natural gas has already contributed to declining greenhouse gas emissions in the United States over the past decade.

Conclusion: Is Fracking Worth the Risks?

Fracking presents complex trade-offs between economic and climate benefits on the one hand, and social and environmental risks if insufficiently regulated, on the other hand.

While further study and oversight are warranted, the potential advantages of fracking in displacing coal, complementing renewables, and supporting energy security suggest working to make it as safe and sustainable as possible may be better than banning it outright.

With proper precautions and best practices, hydraulic fracturing could provide cleaner-burning fuels, jobs, and revenues while cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

While not without downsides, responsible fracking may prove a valuable tool in the overall transition to a low-carbon future.

FAQ

What is the main benefit of fracking for the environment?

The increase in natural gas unlocked by fracking displaces more carbon-intensive coal for electricity generation. This shift from coal to gas has already helped lower U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.

Does fracking cause air pollution?

Fracking sites can leak pollutants like VOCs and methane due to faulty equipment. But emissions vary substantially, and tighter regulations can significantly reduce this air pollution.

How does fracking impact water quality?

If done irresponsibly, fracking fluid could leak out and contaminate groundwater. But studies show the risk is very low if proper precautions like steel casings and cement seals are used.

Here at GreenChiCafe, we are passionate about the environment and our natural world. Please check out our website for more content on important environmental topics.