Hydrofracking

Natural gas and a fossil fuel that must be extracted. A newer development called hydrofracking has been put to the test. Hydrofracking, or slick water hydraulic fracturing, was created by Halliburtion Inc. This method uses substantially more water than any other drilling method. It potentially increases toxicity. Also, the drilling certainly takes a toll on natural habitats. (“Neighbors..”).
Since this is newer technology, the risks are somewhat unknown. Investor Enviornmental Health Networks states, ”

Currently investors lack sufficient information on the environmental health hazards of fracturing operations at individual companies—even though the companies face litigation, reputational, competitive, and regulatory risks. Investors lack sufficient information to distinguish the companies that fully understand and are effectively managing the risks attendant to fracturing from those that are not.”. However, there clearly are risks. Since it is known that natural gas is slightly better than the use of coal, the question left to ask is whether it is fully worth it. Is it worth it to switch completely from coal to natural gas? Or, do the risks with the extraction of natural gas remain equivalent to the use of coal? (“Hydraulic Fracturing…”).
The pros and cons are laid out on a website called thinkbeforeyoufrack.org. Here it is stated that hydrofracking will help to increase jobs to boost our economy. It is stated here that hydrofracking is a lot like tobacco companies. Even though it is unsafe, companies keep pursuing the project. The reason why it is so unsafe is because of the amount of water it uses. On top of this, many chemicals are added to the water. Toxin emissions are enormous with this use of extraction and many natural habitats are destroyed in the process. Overall, hydrofracking does not seem like a positive solution. We must continue to evaluate our resource methods. (“About Hydrofracking.”).