Replacing Our Energy Sources Debate Essay - 558 Words

There is a big agreement amongst the public and most experts that the current energy sources that are used in the United States are in need of a replacement. Dependence on fossil fuels such as coal and oil are problematic for at least two reasons: their harmful impact on the environment (both in extraction method and their use) and the reliance from other countries for supplies, which has created problems on the geopolitical front. Nuclear fission remains a debatable alternative, considering the risks involved in a catastrophic meltdown and the absence of a long-term waste storage solution. The successful advance of horizontal drilling by the energy industry combined with the existing technology of hydraulic fracturing which has been†¦show more content†¦During the process of fracking, methane gas and toxic chemicals leach out from the system which contaminates nearby ground water. For some cities and towns this ground water is drinking water and there have been over 1,000 d ocumented cases of physical, respiratory, and neurological damage due to ingested contaminated water. An estimated 30 to 50 percent of the fracking fluid is recovered the rest of the biodegradable toxic fluid is left in the ground(Marsa). Fracking produces around 300,000 barrels of natural gas per day but at the price of several environmental, safety, and health hazards. While most of the health and environmental questions surrounding fracking stand unsettled, it is difficult to say with certainty whether continuing the practice is worth it in any calculable terms. Nonetheless, the economic impacts and negative consequences of traditional fossil fuel energy production are understood. These practices are cleaner and more efficient than ever but not viable for long-term use. Other clean energies of the future such as solar and wind are not yet able to carry the consumption needs of the nation. In this undesirable gap with no better choice available, the benefits of utilizing natural gas as an energy resource are still too extraordinary to just simply halt the practice entirely. Once the facts are in, federal regulation needs to beShow MoreRelatedAmericas Dependence On Fossil Fuels1307 Words   |  6 Pagesfriendly energy sources. Energy is the key conflict factor during our era. So new energy development is a vital project that not only can decrease t he conflict that base on energy but also improve our environment, meanwhile it also can decrease the conflict that created by the environmental issues. Our audience will be mainly comprised of young adults, particularly those who already have an interest in the subject matter since the younger generations are more technologically savvy and our generationRead MoreThe Ongoing Energy Debate631 Words   |  3 PagesThe Ongoing Energy Debate As we all know, the energy debate has been ongoing for decades. 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