Discussion Board Post peer replies – Cheap Research Essays

You are required to reply to at least 2 other classmates’ threads; Keith Chatman and Christopher Womack

each reply must be at least 100 words and must add substantially to the conversation.

After reading both classmate’s threads, answer the following questions to both threads individualy.

1. What most interested you about your classmate’s thread?

2. Is there anything you want to add to your classmate’s thread?

3. Do you agree with your classmate’s position? Why or why not? You will need to provide at least 1 article or website (.gov

or .edu) that supports your position. Use in-text citations, as necessary.

Keith Chatman

When I was asked to select a “hot” topic for this week’s assignment, I chose fracking. I chose fracking because I have heard that is much

debate regarding the subject of drilling for sources of gas which has been given the slang word of “fracking”. I am embarrassed to admit

that when it comes to environmental issues I normally refrain from participating in the discussion(s) simply because of my lack of

intellect to the applications of science that are required towards the study of the subject. However, like in other innovative quests,

there are challenges, issues, pros and cons that one must examine and explore for program completion.

Fracking, defined by Webster is the injection of fluids (i. e.-water, sand and various chemicals) into shale beds at high pressure in

order to free up petroleum resources (such as oil or natural gas). Shale rocks defined in our Heaven & Earth readings state that shale

rocks are composed entirely of clay-sized particles,shale is commonly identified as siltstones. (pg. 67) Shale rocks have a laminated

appearance. They are a type of sedimentary rock found in areas where gentle waters have deposited sediments that become compacted

together.

George Mitchell, who is now deceased, founded a company, Mitchell Energy. Due to Mitchell Energy’s expertise in the natural resources

field they began exploration into a phase of drill we now know as fracking in the 80s and 90s; consequentially, environmentalist became

outraged once the hazards of the environment were disclosed to them. An article titled “Fracking Hotspots” written by Janet Kimantas

noted “Some fracking chemicals are burnt off in flare stacks, they not only became dangerous in and of themselves, but also combining to

become new chemicals that were not present prior burning. Phosgene, which is formed by a reaction between carbon monoxide and chlorine

gas; it is used as a chemical warfare agent.

The E. P. A. advises that phosgene is extremely toxic by short-term inhalation as well as explosively flammable. It is normally shipped

by rail. Two years ago a rail shipment of Crude oil fracked from southern Saskatchewan exploded killing forty-seven people and

incinerated the downtown.” (pg. 2)

An article in support of fracking, titled “Fracking Ban”, author anonymous, suggest that “while we deliberate about what to regulate and

to what degree, we should also think about the benefits. The most dramatic upside for America’s working-class will be revitalized

manufacturing economy that gains competative advantages in the global economy as the energy cost decline in America.” (pg. 1)

I strongly support lower energy cost, but not at the expense of damage to the environment. I pray that the fracking process will not be