Hydrofracking for natural gas in shale formations has generated a heated national debate, complicating and in some cases preventing efforts to extract the resource. Critics of hydrofracking cite the process’ uncertain environmental and geologic risks. Meanwhile, natural gas developers and policymakers have been working to identify and implement technical standards and best practices to overcome or reduce these risks to negligible levels.
In my home state of New York, Governor Andrew Cuomo has said of hydrofracking: “Let’s get the facts. Let the science and the facts make the determination, not emotion and not politics.”
I agree. State of the art technology and responsible operators can reduce the known risks of energy production and use, but there is always some risk. But natural gas is the cleanest of the fossil fuels, reducing emissions of CO2 by a third relative to oil, and half in comparison to coal. It is also an ideal process fuel for the chemical industry, now rebuilding in the US after massive contractions during the high gas prices of the “pre-shale” days. The economic boon in production regions such as Pennsylvania and Arkansas has created thousands of jobs, and millions in revenue for shareholders, local communities and governments. All as we lessen our dependence on oil from unstable regions.
Economic and energy benefits do not justify environmental harm, however; and we must be careful that one environmental goal, like climate, does not unduly overshadow others, like water quality, natural landscapes, and human health. What is needed to navigate these tough issues is a thorough, careful public dialogue, and, like the Governor says, the facts. It hasn’t been perfect, but I do think that we’re having such a dialogue, and we are getting the facts. I think it would be a mistake to not make the most of our natural gas resources. I also think it would be a mistake to not do so with the utmost care and environmental stewardship.
What do you think about hydrofracking? About domestic natural gas development? What’s the net outcome in the debate over natural gas’s risks and benefits? How can we ensure an optimal risk-benefit dynamic?
Food for thought.
Matt, this issue is less understood than well design, operating standards, and water disposal. The process of “fracking ” has long term application in the upstream oil and gas industry,… Read more »
I believe there is a great opportunity to make natural gas the cornerstone of our energy policy.It is the cleanest fossil fuel and can reduce our dependance on imported oil… Read more »
I would like to echo Mr Catell’s comment. It is important that we “learn from the mistakes of the past and put the proper regulatory and compliance framework in place”… Read more »
“Efficiency, conservation, and innovation” are cornerstones of wise energy policy no matter what fuel is being used. I am concerned about the assertion that the current natural gas abundance should… Read more »
I’m new here, but is it acceptable practice here to make claims based on personal experience without citation to any literature? How can any reader here evaluate your claim?
The even-handedness of this discussion is gratifying for someone such as myself who focuses on price uncertainty and market volatility. The shift from a roller coaster of natural gas prices… Read more »
This is a very helpful dialogue. Early advocates of Shale gas were heard suggesting this motherlode of cleaner fossil fuel negated the need for all other forms of energy. To… Read more »
I applaud the balanced discussion of this issue. However, it may be too balanced. My concerns are that the enthusiasm for natural gas development through hydrofracking methodology a)ignores the significant… Read more »
My general view on shale gas is that we certainly have reason to be optimistic, but should take note that there is still a great deal of uncertainty about the… Read more »