Jane Doe
Issues Paper
8 November 2013
English 1301, 1pm
Don’t Frack With Us! The Pros & Cons of Hydraulic Fracking
As an industrialized country, America relies heavy on fossil fuels for its energy needs. --Lead-In
With the limitations and cost of oil production, new methods of obtaining these energy sources
were bound to be explored. Experiments in the mid-20th century led to the development of --Definition of Term(s)
hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking,” which is “a well stimulation process used to maximize the
extraction of underground resources” (EPA.gov), particularly oil and gas. While “fracking”
is a widespread source of energy production in the United States, recent questions about its --Explanation of "controversy" or "debate"
safety have led to much controversy, even resulting in halts or bans of the process in certain
areas of the country. While proponents of hydraulic fracturing cite economic advantages and --Thesis Statement
energy accessibility in favor of the procedure, opponents question the safety of the procedure and
its environmental impacts.
Proponents of hydraulic fracturing agree that the benefits of the technology outweigh the --Topic Statement, "Pros" Side
costs. Some of the benefits of hydraulic fracturing are that it has created “more jobs, more tax --Summary of Pros
revenue for city and state governments, [and] more domestically produced natural gas and crude
oil” (Handley, par. 1). It is estimated that “1.7 million jobs already created and a total of 3.5 --Quote 1 to support Pros (jobs)
million projected by 2035” (Lydersen, par. 2). This economic impact hits close to home, as
“Texas has the largest share of those jobs” (Souder, par. 3). In addition, the process of fracking
allows the U.S. access to “proved reserves” (Freeman and Spence 5). Even President Obama has --Quote 2 to support Pros (reserves)
advocated fracking as part of his cleaner energy and economic stimulation policies. Obama noted
in his 2012 State of the Union address, “We have a supply of natural gas that can last
America nearly 100 years, and my administration will take every possible action to safely
develop this energy” (qtd. in Snyder, par. 4). Obama went on to describe this natural gas
production as a method that is “that’s cleaner, cheaper, and full of new jobs” (qtd. in Snyder, par. --Quote 3 to support Pros (safe & clean)
5). While “fracking” may be a popular form of energy production, and while it may indeed have --Wrap-up and Transition
its advantages in modern society, the issue is controversial, and the opposition remains quite
vocal.
Opponents of hydraulic fracturing argue that the costs of the process outweigh the --Topic Statement, "Cons" Side
benefits and that the procedure should be heavily regulated, if not banned altogether.
....CONTINUE
As the debate over hydraulic fracturing will no doubt continue, both sides are firm in their --Conclusion begins with a re-establishment of debate
arguments. Recently, documentaries like Gasland and Gasland 2, Unearthed, and the feature
film Promised Land starring Matt Damon, have garnered public attention on the issue. The result
has been much public protest, as citizens hope to accomplish more openness from and
environmental regulations on the industry, as well as a halting and sometimes even banning of
fracking in some areas. Recently, a multitude of states, including California, New York, --Issues Update 1
Colorado, Pennsylvania, and more have entertained legislation to slow down or ban fracking. In
fact, Mora County, New Mexico is “the first U.S. county to ban the practice of fracking” --Issues Update 2
(Graves, par. 1) due to water safety concerns. Washington has taken notice of the ongoing
debate, and the Obama administration “has proposed regulations that would require disclosure of --Issues Update 3
chemicals used in fracking, certain standards for wells and disposing of wastewater” (Bastasch,
par. 2). Still, America’s energy production is booming, thanks to fracking, and in states with
high production, the economy is enjoying an upswing. Perhaps, though, it is wise for Americans --Ending Opinion/Call to Action
to take the time to truly examine this controversial process of energy production because if
concerns over environmental destruction prove to be real, then the costs/benefits ratio must be
reexamined by industry leaders, government officials, and consumers.
Issues Paper
8 November 2013
English 1301, 1pm
Don’t Frack With Us! The Pros & Cons of Hydraulic Fracking
As an industrialized country, America relies heavy on fossil fuels for its energy needs. --Lead-In
With the limitations and cost of oil production, new methods of obtaining these energy sources
were bound to be explored. Experiments in the mid-20th century led to the development of --Definition of Term(s)
hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking,” which is “a well stimulation process used to maximize the
extraction of underground resources” (EPA.gov), particularly oil and gas. While “fracking”
is a widespread source of energy production in the United States, recent questions about its --Explanation of "controversy" or "debate"
safety have led to much controversy, even resulting in halts or bans of the process in certain
areas of the country. While proponents of hydraulic fracturing cite economic advantages and --Thesis Statement
energy accessibility in favor of the procedure, opponents question the safety of the procedure and
its environmental impacts.
Proponents of hydraulic fracturing agree that the benefits of the technology outweigh the --Topic Statement, "Pros" Side
costs. Some of the benefits of hydraulic fracturing are that it has created “more jobs, more tax --Summary of Pros
revenue for city and state governments, [and] more domestically produced natural gas and crude
oil” (Handley, par. 1). It is estimated that “1.7 million jobs already created and a total of 3.5 --Quote 1 to support Pros (jobs)
million projected by 2035” (Lydersen, par. 2). This economic impact hits close to home, as
“Texas has the largest share of those jobs” (Souder, par. 3). In addition, the process of fracking
allows the U.S. access to “proved reserves” (Freeman and Spence 5). Even President Obama has --Quote 2 to support Pros (reserves)
advocated fracking as part of his cleaner energy and economic stimulation policies. Obama noted
in his 2012 State of the Union address, “We have a supply of natural gas that can last
America nearly 100 years, and my administration will take every possible action to safely
develop this energy” (qtd. in Snyder, par. 4). Obama went on to describe this natural gas
production as a method that is “that’s cleaner, cheaper, and full of new jobs” (qtd. in Snyder, par. --Quote 3 to support Pros (safe & clean)
5). While “fracking” may be a popular form of energy production, and while it may indeed have --Wrap-up and Transition
its advantages in modern society, the issue is controversial, and the opposition remains quite
vocal.
Opponents of hydraulic fracturing argue that the costs of the process outweigh the --Topic Statement, "Cons" Side
benefits and that the procedure should be heavily regulated, if not banned altogether.
....CONTINUE
As the debate over hydraulic fracturing will no doubt continue, both sides are firm in their --Conclusion begins with a re-establishment of debate
arguments. Recently, documentaries like Gasland and Gasland 2, Unearthed, and the feature
film Promised Land starring Matt Damon, have garnered public attention on the issue. The result
has been much public protest, as citizens hope to accomplish more openness from and
environmental regulations on the industry, as well as a halting and sometimes even banning of
fracking in some areas. Recently, a multitude of states, including California, New York, --Issues Update 1
Colorado, Pennsylvania, and more have entertained legislation to slow down or ban fracking. In
fact, Mora County, New Mexico is “the first U.S. county to ban the practice of fracking” --Issues Update 2
(Graves, par. 1) due to water safety concerns. Washington has taken notice of the ongoing
debate, and the Obama administration “has proposed regulations that would require disclosure of --Issues Update 3
chemicals used in fracking, certain standards for wells and disposing of wastewater” (Bastasch,
par. 2). Still, America’s energy production is booming, thanks to fracking, and in states with
high production, the economy is enjoying an upswing. Perhaps, though, it is wise for Americans --Ending Opinion/Call to Action
to take the time to truly examine this controversial process of energy production because if
concerns over environmental destruction prove to be real, then the costs/benefits ratio must be
reexamined by industry leaders, government officials, and consumers.
Works Cited
Freeman, Jody and David Spence. “Should the Federal Government Regulate Fracking?” Wall Article obtained from Ebscohost
Street Journal. 261.87 (4/15/2013): 5-8. Web. 8 November 2013.
Snyder, Jim. “Obama Pushes Natural Gas Fracking to Create 600,000 New U.S. Jobs.” Article from a Website
Bloomberg. Bloomberg.com. 25 January 2012. Web. 8 November 2013.
Souder, Elizabeth. “Fracking Creates Hundreds of Thousands of U.S. Jobs, Report Says.” The Article from an online newspaper
Dallas Morning News. Dallas News online. 12 June 2012. Web. 8 November 2013.
....CONTINUE
Cite ALL SOURCES USED. You can absolutely have more than 4. Pay special attention to MLA format.
Outline for Mini-Research Essay
What is the subject (one word):__________________________
In one brief sentence, explain one side of the issue: ______________________________________________________________________________
In one brief sentence, explain the other side: ____________________________________________________________________________________
State the 3 main "points" of side A: _____________________________________________________________, ________________________________________________________________,_________________________________________________________
State the 3 main "points" of side B: _____________________________________________________________, ________________________________________________________________,_________________________________________________________
Which 2 articles will you discuss in paragraph 2? _________________________________________ and_____________________________________
Which 2 articles will you discuss in paragraph 3? __________________________________________and_____________________________________
Thesis:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Which side is most convincing and why? _________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What's going on with the issue today (update)? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Freeman, Jody and David Spence. “Should the Federal Government Regulate Fracking?” Wall Article obtained from Ebscohost
Street Journal. 261.87 (4/15/2013): 5-8. Web. 8 November 2013.
Snyder, Jim. “Obama Pushes Natural Gas Fracking to Create 600,000 New U.S. Jobs.” Article from a Website
Bloomberg. Bloomberg.com. 25 January 2012. Web. 8 November 2013.
Souder, Elizabeth. “Fracking Creates Hundreds of Thousands of U.S. Jobs, Report Says.” The Article from an online newspaper
Dallas Morning News. Dallas News online. 12 June 2012. Web. 8 November 2013.
....CONTINUE
Cite ALL SOURCES USED. You can absolutely have more than 4. Pay special attention to MLA format.
Outline for Mini-Research Essay
What is the subject (one word):__________________________
In one brief sentence, explain one side of the issue: ______________________________________________________________________________
In one brief sentence, explain the other side: ____________________________________________________________________________________
State the 3 main "points" of side A: _____________________________________________________________, ________________________________________________________________,_________________________________________________________
State the 3 main "points" of side B: _____________________________________________________________, ________________________________________________________________,_________________________________________________________
Which 2 articles will you discuss in paragraph 2? _________________________________________ and_____________________________________
Which 2 articles will you discuss in paragraph 3? __________________________________________and_____________________________________
Thesis:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Which side is most convincing and why? _________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What's going on with the issue today (update)? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________