Energy Alternatives Fracking Assignment

Introduction

Energy Alternatives Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, is a process used to extract natural gas from once unreachable shale rock layers deep in the earth. To release the natural gas, highly pressurized fracking fluids (water mixed with various chemicals and sand) are injected, via steel pipe, into the ground to create cracks or fractures. This releases gas that flows to the surface to be collected in wells. Environmental concerns associated with fracking include water use, toxic chemicals, health concerns, surface and ground water contamination, soil contamination, air quality, and waste disposal. One of the most important aspects of any energy policy is energy conservation. As consumer demand for oil drops, prices decline; the time the oil can be relied on is extended. To help reduce oil use, government regulations, NHTSA (2014), have required greater fuel efficiency in cars through the creation of the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. Congress has also required the phasing out of incandescent light bulbs in favor of the more energy efficient compact fluorescent bulbs. Like many new technologies, the upside of the compact fluorescent’s energy saving capacity is countered by the downside that compact fluorescents require the toxic chemical, mercury, for their production. There are many alternatives to using petroleum and coal for energy, but each comes with a unique set of problems. Most new technologies, like solar and wind power, are very costly to start up. Nuclear energy has its own unique drawbacks.

Using nuclear energy is attractive to many because the technology is already in place, and it can generate large amounts of electricity from one plant. But the risks associated with nuclear energy are high. For example, there is no current solution as to how to deal with nuclear waste. No matter how carefully a nuclear plant is built and maintained, there is always the risk of an accident. Further, nuclear plants can also be a target for terrorist activity, and the nuclear waste can be used to power nuclear weapons. It is certain that we will see the emergence of new energy technology, but it seems unlikely at this point that there will be one simple answer. Wind, solar, and geothermal energy are useful in certain geographic areas, but it will take many different solutions to fulfill the energy demands of the worldwide population.

References

U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). (2014). Energy in brief. Retrieved from http://www.eia.gov/ energy_in_brief/article/major_energy_sources_and_users.cfm.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). (2014). CAFE – Fuel economy. Retrieved from http://www.nhtsa.gov/fuel-economy.

Demonstration of Proficiency

By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and assessment criteria:

• Competency 1: Assess basic environmental health principles, theories, and issues.
  • Assess the economic issues associated with renewable energy technology.
• Competency 2: Analyze the impact of contaminants in the environment to human health.
  • Analyze the risks to human health associated with renewable energy technology.
• Competency 3: Apply personal and professional decisions based upon an understanding of environmental risks.
  • Illustrate the positives associated with renewable energy technology.
  • Illustrate the negatives associated with renewable energy technology.
• Competency 4: Communicate effectively in a variety of formats.
  • Write coherently to support a central idea in appropriate format with correct grammar, usage, and mechanics.

Preparation

Research a specific renewable source of energy.

Instructions

The purpose of this assessment is to evaluate alternative energy sources and to understand that there are positives and negatives to the alternatives.

To begin this assessment, research a specific renewable source of energy. Then, in a 3–4-page report, outline the pros and cons of this method of energy production. To build your argument and support your evaluation, address the following:

• Identify and analyze the economic considerations (such as the cost per kilowatt for large-scale renewable energy source, costs of construction, and so forth) of using this method of energy production.
• What are the environmental benefits of this energy source?
• What are the environmental downsides, if any, to this renewable energy technology?
• Analyze the risks to human health associated with this technology.
• What conclusions have you reached with regards to this topic, and why? Get Health and Medical Help Today