The Impact of Hydraulic Fracturing and Economic Perspectives - Research Paper Example

The article presented measurements of methane gas emissions reportedly from the production of natural gas in 190 locations within the United States. As disclosed, the information collected and revealed could be used by policymakers regarding natural gas production and use. The authors therefore expounded on topics which included well completion flowback; unloadings; well sites in routine production; as well as implications for national emission estimates. The article is therefore replete with technicalities pertinent to emission measurements. The current discourse requiring updates for Gasland could use the information regarding the number of locations where natural gas production was reported. The list of credible and authoritative sources used as support could also be a source for further studies and evaluation on the subject. Bamberger, Michelle and Robert E. Oswald. "Impacts of Gas Drilling on Human and Animal Health." New Solutions (2012): Vol. 22, No. 1, 51-77. http://psehealthyenergy.net/data/Bamberger_Oswald_NS22_in_press.pdf. The authors explored and presented the effects, specifically health impacts, of gas drilling on animals and their owners, through the results on an interview method with their owners within areas where gas drilling have been identified. Specific cases were explicitly presented to illustrate the scope of the impact on human and animal health. Likewise, it was revealed that factors including non-disclosure agreements signed between the drilling corporations and injured individuals have apparently precluded appropriate documentation of the alleged contamination. The article would therefore be beneficial in the current research to provide support to updates regarding the Gasland incident. Likewise, viable recommendations could also be used to augment current proposals to address the dilemma. Down, Adrian, Martin Armes and Robert B. Jackson. "Shale Gas Extraction in North Carolina: Research Recommendations and Public Health Implications." Environmental Health Perspectives (2013): A292. http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/wp-content/uploads/121/10/ehp.1307402.pdf. The authors delved into the health risks allegedly linked to hydraulic fracturing due to the chemicals used in the process which were considered toxic. Various recommendations proposed by experts during the Research Triangle Environmental Health Collaborative summit have noted the importance of collecting crucial data prior to proposed drilling; monitor health impacts through a comprehensive health impact assessment (HIA); and the creation of a community needs and assets assessment. The authors likewise emphasized the need for accountability and transparency in identifying the party responsible for data collection; as well as providing details on the costs associated with it. The information contained herein would be beneficial in updating the essay on Gasland through the proposed recommendations. These proposals are deemed crucial in addressing future or potential dilemmas associated with hydraulic fracturing. El Sayed, Nada and Kevin Boutilier. "Understanding Shale Gas." 25 March 2013. poisson.me.dal.ca. http://poisson.me.dal.ca/site2/courses/mech4340/Shale%20Gas%20ElSayed%20Boutilier.pdf. 17 October 2013. The report discussed topics with included the nature of natural gas, as well as the history of gas extraction. It presented as one of its Figures the photo of a man during the Gasland documentary where a flame ignited when he opened his faucet in Colorado. The discourse also provided information on economic concerns; as well as environmental controversies associated with the drilling for natural gas. The information contained herein would therefore be beneficial as a support for more information on natural gas and a historical overview on the history of gas extraction. Reference to Gasland documentary attested to the study’s link to the documentary which could therefore be an appropriate support. Garmezy, Adam. "Balancing Hydraulic Fracturing's Environmental and Economic Impacts: The Need for a Comprehensive Federal Baseline and the Provision of Local Rights." Duke Environmental Law and Policy Forum (2013): 405-439. http://scholarship.law.duke.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1252&context=delpf&sei-redir=1&referer=http%3A%2F%2Fscholar.google.com.ph%2Fscholar%3Fstart%3D10%26q%3Dupdates%2Bon%2BGasland%2Bdocumentary%26hl%3Den%26as_sdt%3D0%2C5%26as_ylo%3D2013#search=%22up. The term hydrofracking, synonymous with hydraulic fracturing, was discussed in greater detail, including the law and policy associated with it. Likewise, current federal oversight; as well as proposed federal legislation were both effectively expounded. The author also discussed major environmental concerns such as “water contamination; water usage; greenhouse-gas emissions; seismic disturbance; and the loss of pristine wilderness” [Gar13]. On the other hand, economic benefits of hydrofracking were aptly discussed. The information contained herein would be beneficial to updating the Gasland essay in terms of balancing the environmental impacts with economic advantages. An effective recommendation could therefore be arrived at from this source as a valid and reliable source of support. Hall, Keith B. "Hydraulic Fracturing Contamination Claims: Problems of Proof." Ohio State Law Journal Furthermore (2013): Vol. 74, 71-85. http://moritzlaw.osu.edu/students/groups/oslj/files/2013/06/Furthermore.Hall_.pdf. The discourse discussed hydraulic fracturing in greater detail; and established the challenges and difficulties for proving the cause of contamination from a legal perspective. The rest of the article presented problems associated with provision of effective proof or evidence; as well as new regulations that allegedly require baseline testing of groundwater, prior to proposed gas drilling. A proposed use of Lone Pine order, defined as “a case management order that simultaneously sets a summary judgment hearing on specified issues and restricts discovery pending resolution of that hearing” [Hal131], was likewise expounded. The article could be useful for the current research in terms of incorporating crucial information regarding hydraulic fracturing. In addition, the proposed use of the Lone Pine order could be incorporated as part of the recommendation, as deemed appropriate. Kubik, Paul J. "The Economic Development of Natural Resources: Fracking and Self-Regulation in the Market for Land." Journal of Arts and Humanities (JAH) (2013): Vol. 2, No. 4, 73-77. Print. The article presented relevant lessons learned from the period of industrialization regarding the potential negative effects and the regulation for hydraulic fracturing, mentioned herein as fracking, within the natural gas industry. A discussion on self-regulating markets, the process of hydraulic fracturing, as well as the self-regulating market of fracking. The author asserted that the problem which is significantly associated with fracking allegedly lies in the aspect of regulation. Information from this article would be beneficial in the current research in updating the essay on Gasland in terms of the detailed description on the process of hydraulic fracturing. It is a relevant and crucial input which would shed light on the potential health hazards associated with it. Schenck, Reyna. "Impact of Hydraulic Fracturing on Ground and Surface Water Resources." 2013. Digital Commons. http://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1030&context=nrmsp. 17 October 2013. The study delved into a closer examination of the effect of hydraulic fracturing on groundwater and freshwater resources. The author conducted a comprehensive research which included a background on hydraulic fracturing, current policies and regulations, and impacts on both groundwater and freshwater, and different case studies. The author’s findings included revealing that one of the factors identified as causing contamination of groundwater resources is the negligence on the part of the operator of hydraulic fracturing. Likewise, emphasis was placed on testing prior and after the drilling to assist in confirming evidences of contamination, as needed. This source is therefore valuable for updating the essay on Gasland since it provided accurate information that is needed in the current discourse. Likewise, the list of authoritative support from secondary sources of information could also be used to validate current arguments. Solis, Alyssa M. "The Political Landscape of Hydraulic Fracturing: Methods of Community Response in Central Arkansas." 2013. Pfizer Senior Thesis. http://scholarship.claremont.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1042&context=pitzer_theses. 17 October 2013. The author conducted a study exploring the apparent environmental injustice inflicted on the residents of Central Arkansas. As described, several interviews with residents and political regulators. It was revealed that perceived powerlessness has rampantly been expressed due to the inability to effectively address the negative impact of hydraulic fracturing given the alleged lack of effective regulations on this particular area. As such, the author illumined the conflict of interests favoring organizations in the gas industry as opposed to the residents. This article shares similarities with the information contained in Gasland through the documented experiences of the residents who were interviewed. As such, this source would be useful in providing support to the updates needed in the current study. Taskinsoy, John. "Economic and Ecological Implications of Hydraulic Fracturing." West East Journal of Social Sciences (2013): Vol. 2, No. 1, 11-39. http://www.westeastinstitute.com/journals/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/2-John-Taskinsoy-Second-paper-Ready1.pdf The author presented various impacts of hydraulic fracturing, including environmental effects, as well as economic and societal impacts. Other global concerns pertinent to hydraulic fracturing were also expounded including a brief historical background of fracturing and relevant statistics on oil and natural gas production, on a global scale, to name a few. Natural gas prices and the estimated value of proved reserves were also part of the discourse. The information contained herein could provide needed support in updating Gasland in terms of providing the impact of hydraulic fracturing from the environmental and economic perspectives. As such, this sources provides a credible and verifiable reference that would contribute to validating needed contentions in the current study. Works Cited Gar13: , (Garmezy 414), Hal131: , (Hall 83), Read More