Alternative Energy Mix in Texas

Although it has been proven that the production of carbon dioxide is less for natural gas than for coal, natural gas still has some possible environmental effects that have caused debate at the legislative level and have slowed transition from coal to natural gas. The main issue discussed is the practice of hydraulic fracturing or “fracking”. Hydraulic fracturing is a process in which chemicals are pumped into the ground to break up shale rocks to release trapped natural gas. Pumping chemicals into the ground raises questions about how it affects the environment. The EIA has investigated the effects of fracking on the surrounding environment and no positive answer has been given against the use of fracking. There have been claims by the people who live on the properties surrounding drill sites saying that the chemicals have contaminated their drinking water supply. Although the EIA reports haven’t documented anything, there have been over 1,000 local documented cases of water contamination as well as cases of sensory, respiratory, and neurological damage due to ingested contaminated water (8). The two sides are the two arguments regarding fracking. We will not take it upon ourselves to make a decision either way on the issue, merely present that currently despite the reduced carbon dioxide emissions, there are potential environmental factors to consider when natural gas is produced with hydraulic fracturing. It is important to consider the hydraulic fracturing is not the only method of production. Natural gas is also found in wells with oil and those political regulations are stable with improvements constantly being made to the practice. Natural gas found in coalbeds, previously deemed dangerous is now considered a viable source of natural gas. The recent research on this particular source has found that it can be safely extracted. Gas hydrates, which are cages of ice that trap natural gas, are also used for production. These are located deep in ocean beds or in very cold areas. The production of these doesn’t pose much of a threat to the environment.

Natural gas can generally be produced without much effect to the environment, or at least without much effect that isn’t already regulated. Most of the current political debates over natural gas covered hydraulic fracturing. It is a relatively young practice and the policies and regulations for it are still in development. The use of natural gas will continue to grow and with it regulations to ensure that the environment is being conserved. The political state does not slow the production of natural gas, because nothing has been proven by the EIA. Therefore it is safe to assume that current growth and production will continue.