Dele Owoye Other Work Component (Additions) As America today faces the challenges of global warming, rising emissions,

and dependence on oil from transportation, it is evident that we are engaging in seemingly reckless behavior. In order to curb our dependency on Middle Eastern countries for oil, implementation of our current technology and infrastructure will decrease our demand for foreign oil. Conventional sources of energy (for example oil) are becoming increasingly strained, motivating an aggressive search for alternatives, especially alternatives which can be domestically sourced and produced. Our society has a variety of energy choices. Biomass, coal, natural gas, and solar or wind energy are among the resources which can be used to synthesize energy that will decrease our reliance on oil energy. The Marcellus Shale adds a new dimension to consider in sourcing a new form of energy production. While availability of this domestic natural gas seems to be a non-issue, cost, safety, environmental impact, and infrastructure must be considered. Legislation currently aims to decrease our main source of energy (oil), but interestingly enough a decrease is barely evident. We must assess options for the long-run, and not only the short-run, and in doing so we must consider whether or not drilling the Marcellus Shale is feasible and sustainable.

The drilling of the Marcellus shale remains to be a controversial topic as many differing viewpoints can be arisen from debate on this issue. As discussed in class, the Marcellus Shale is an ancient, underground formation rich in natural gas that lies beneath much of Pennsylvania. The varying arguments surrounding the drilling aspect of the Marcellus Shale are fascinating but yet very complex. Surrounding the issue is many pros and cons because it is noted that natural gas is a relatively clean fuel that promotes energy independence as a nation, but however the

means of this natural gas extraction will have a significant impact on our water resources. If it were up to me, I would be against drilling the Marcellus Shale for extraction of this natural gas.

First off, billions of gallons of water will be taken from streams as part of this process in extracting the natural gas. Additionally, at each drilling site, millions of gallons of water are also converted to hydraulic fracturing fluid through the addition of a complex mix of chemicals that pose a variety of hazards. Environmentalists predict severe problems created by these chemicals that affect air quality, as well as aquifer and surface water pollution. Open, plastic-lined pits that store residual fluids may provide potential contamination from spills and leaks. Once emptied, the residue, along with the plastic liners, are generally left in place and covered with soil. Large impervious drilling pads can degrade the land, groundwater, and nearby streams. Additional environmental concerns involve pipelines, compression stations, drilling pads and wastewater storage pits that alter the landscape and disrupt wildlife habitats. Heavy drilling rigs and tank trucks severely damage roadways ill designed for such loads. In adding on to the negative side of the debate, natural gas is non-renewable resources that can only be sustained for 20-30 years. In the long run is it worth all of these above effects for only 20 to 30 years of energy well receive from it?

On the opposite end of the spectrum, money is involved. The state of Pennsylvania has been a site for drilling of natural gas, and tapping the resources of Marcellus Shale will bring a significant number of jobs to the State. As noted in the movie Gasland, drilling of the Shale will provide unanticipated revenue to those who lease their drilling rights, for the use of resources below the surface. Simply put, the drilling of the Marcellus Shale promises jobs in areas hard hit

by unemployment, lucrative leases for landowners and a new energy economy. The potential in Marcellus Shale remains appealing as well. This is only the beginning of a job boom that many say will reduce our dependence on foreign oil and generate tremendous wealth. According to the website popcitymedia.com, this industry is promising 20,000 new jobs by 2020, however lasting they may be. The natural gas brings with it the potential for new energy technologies too, such as natural gas-fueled public transportation and vehicles.

In conclusion, it is evident that the United States remains to be completely dependent on oil as means of producing energy. Drilling the natural gas rich Marcellus Shale will allow our nation to decrease our dependency on oil for energy means, but the costs and ramifications in doing so remain risky and high. Domestically producing our energy has knocked at our doorsteps, how have we and will respond to this in the future. Will we keep drilling and potentially destroy our precious environment, or will we remain dependent on Saudi Arabian oil?