Is fracking our energy future? Hydraulic fracturing (fracking, for short) is a new drilling technique that can extract hard-to-reach oil and gas.

• Author: Whitten, Daniel
• Position: DEBATE

YES America has vast reserves of natural gas that could power our homes and businesses well into the next century.

But much of that gas is trapped within layers of shale rock deep underground. Until recently, technology was not available to extract it cost-effectively. But advances in a technique called hydraulic fracturing have enabled energy companies to extract that gas (as well as hard-to-reach oil).

Hydraulic fracturing has revolutionized the way the U.S. thinks about its energy resources. The more natural gas we're able to drill in the U.S., the less energy we need to import. And since much of our imported oil and gas comes from unstable parts of the world, importing less makes the U.S. more secure.

The natural-gas boom created by hydraulic fracturing also means less pollution. Carbon emissions at U.S. power plants have declined to their lowest level in 20 years. That's largely because of the increasing use of natural gas, which burns cleaner than oil or coal. There's also been a 70 percent reduction in smog-creating pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide.

Hydraulic fracturing has economic benefits too. It creates much-needed jobs, and by increasing the amount of natural gas available in the U.S., it has effectively lowered energy prices for many homeowners and businesses.

The natural-gas industry is committed to making sure hydraulic fracturing is conducted safely and responsibly to ensure that our environment is protected. For all these reasons, hydraulic fracturing will continue to play a key role in our energy future.

--DANIEL WHITTEN

America's Natural Gas Alliance

NO As oil and gas companies race to expand fracking operations across the nation, they're leaving a trail of polluted landscapes, devastated communities, reports of contaminated water, and plummeting...