Fracking? (Hydraulic Fracturing)

[Deus Naturae]

So because the industry won't last forever it should be banned? Precious metals and minerals will eventually run out, does that mean that mining them should be banned?

[Deus Naturae]

So because the industry won't last forever it should be banned? Precious metals and minerals will eventually run out, does that mean that mining them should be banned?

That's not a reason to ban it. That's a reason not to expand it. A reason to ban it is the fact that it contaminates people's drinking water and air quality.

So you would support prohibiting the expansion of mining operations?

As far as water contamination goes - I'm not much of an expert on fracking - but it's my understanding from my very limited knowledge of the subject that the main cause of water contamination as a result of fracking is the use of certain chemicals that, while they do improve the efficiency of the practice, are not necessary for fracking to take place. I'd be fine with regulating or prohibiting those chemicals.

On the problem of air pollution (and I'm assuming you're just referring to carbon emissions in general here) I think that moving towards natural gas as opposed to coal would help to facilitate a reduction in carbon emissions.

[Deus Naturae]

So because the industry won't last forever it should be banned? Precious metals and minerals will eventually run out, does that mean that mining them should be banned?

That's not a reason to ban it. That's a reason not to expand it. A reason to ban it is the fact that it contaminates people's drinking water and air quality.

So you would support prohibiting the expansion of mining operations?

As far as water contamination goes - I'm not much of an expert on fracking - but it's my understanding from my very limited knowledge of the subject that the main cause of water contamination as a result of fracking is the use of certain chemicals that, while they do improve the efficiency of the practice, are not necessary for fracking to take place. I'd be fine with regulating or prohibiting those chemicals.

On the problem of air pollution (and I'm assuming you're just referring to carbon emissions in general here) I think that moving towards natural gas as opposed to coal would help to facilitate a reduction in carbon emissions.

The difference between fracking and other practices is that fracking is much more environmentally detrimental, and there are safe alternatives.

Hydraulic Fracturing creates Volatile Organic Compounds, acid rain, and ground level ozone. This is not from mistakes in the process; it is a regular event. It evaporates from the 50% of the fluid that cannot be used from the fracture.

Yet natural gas will also run out, and produces more carbon emissions than renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, hydropower, etc.

As I said, I'm rather ignorant of the science here, but it is my understanding that there are methods for which to deal with waste water¹. I'd be fine with requiring companies to implement these methods.

I realize it won't last forever, by I don't think that's a good reason not to take advantage of it while it's available. I think my previous example of mining shows why it's silly not to take advantage of a valuable resource just because it's finite.

And yes, natural gas does produce carbon emissions, but it produces significantly less of them than coal. I think that a gradual approach to reducing emissions is best, given the number of people who are impacted highly by both energy jobs and prices. It's also worth considering what would happen if we were to prohibit the production of all further fossil fuel-based energies. In all likelihood, I think we would just get more of our energy from foreign countries, which would distort our foreign policy even further and nullify many of the environmental benefits, not to mention the devastating impact it would have on our economy.

1. Skip all the way to the section on Fluid Management near the bottom for the relevant information

[Deus Naturae]

The movement to ban fracking is literally as thick-headed as the movement to ban nuclear power plants.

Try telling that to the people whose water supplies have been contaminated because of it.  Come to PA and you'll find a few. 

Then why not just regulate it to prevent water contamination?

[Deus Naturae]

I'm wondering just how any leftist can support this practice.

What about support for fracking do you consider to be anti-leftist?