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Study: 2/3 Of Natural Gas Comes From Fracking
- By Design Team
- •
- 24 May, 2016
Reports have revealed that two-thirds of the natural gas in the United States are now coming from fracking, thanks to the extensive shale gas resources and the proliferation of unconventional drilling throughout the country. Natural gas is increasingly being used throughout the globe as a more environmentally-friendly alternative to goal, and the domestic energy markets are seeing a significant reduction in utility costs.
NATURAL GAS USE STEADILY INCREASING IN THE UNITED STATES
As natural gas has finally been able to be recovered in large volumes from the US shale gas deposits, energy companies have been seeking to find new ways to incorporate natural gas into energy. This includes more natural gas power plants and natural gas vehicles. The United States has been replacing coal power with natural gas power to great effect, but that has also required the building of natural gas pipelines. This is something that many environmental agencies staunchly oppose, even though they are the safest way to get gas to where it is needed.
REDUCING RELIANCE UPON COAL
In 2015, more energy was produced from natural gas than from coal for the first time in the United States. This is an extraordinarily important step for the country's energy future, as reducing a reliance upon coal is best for the environment. Natural gas can nearly half the amount of emissions that are produced through the use of coal and can produce energy at far cheaper rates. Other countries are also moving towards natural gas for this reason, which opens the door for potential exports once the United States oil and gas industry has been able to exceed domestic demand.
INCREASED REGULATIONS ON FRACKING MAY LEAD TO INDUSTRY SLOW DOWN
Amidst concerns regarding methane emissions potentially caused by fracking, the Environmental Protection Agency has been attempting to increase regulations on the industry and unconventional drilling. However, scientific studies have shown that the increases in methane emissions are far more likely to be caused by increased agriculture (specifically red meat) rather than emissions from fracking. Moreover, substituting natural gas for coal is far more beneficial to the environment, and has managed to reduce emissions more than other sustainable energy sources. Both wind and solar combined have not been able to reduce emissions as successfully as natural gas, which is a cheap and readily available resource. Despite the lack of evidence regarding environmental damage, regulations may still be invoked, which could cause substantial harm to the industry.
Natural gas is becoming incredibly important to both US consumers and the US energy market. Not only does the increase in natural gas production poise the United States to enter into the global market, but the decreased energy prices are steadily improving the domestic economy. But for natural gas to remain strong, environmental lobbyists cannot be allowed to over-regulate the market. Over-regulation could lead to increased energy prices and ultimately harm the nation as a whole.
Those within the oil and gas industry note that regulations have very little impact on the environmental safety of individual companies. Most companies already police themselves thoroughly regarding their environmental safety, as is in their best interest to protect it. Heavy Iron Oilfield Services, LP provides only the best in oil field equipment, designed to be safe, reliable, and avoid spills and leaks. Contact Heavy Iron OilfieldServices, LP today to learn more about their wide inventory of used, new, and reconditioned trucks.
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