What the Frack?

Here's a secret, I'm big on alternative energy. I think it's a travesty that we count among our leaders quite a number of people who are willing to deny science for political gain, and whose refusal to acknowledge science leads to short-sighted thinking that is harmful to the environment and the economy.

But today I'm setting alternative energy aside to focus on one of those fossil fuels that, generally speaking, I'm opposed to - natural gas. Like oil and coal, natural gas is a dirty and finite resource. What makes natural gas a better alternative to oil and coal as an energy source is that is cleaner and that America possesses an abundance of it.

Problematically, natural gas is hard to reach - obtainable primarily through a process calls fracking that involves shooting high-powered jets of chemically-infused water into shale rock to break it up and reach the gas. Fracking, its critics say, is dirty and dangerous; specifically it has the potential to contaminate groundwater and aquifers used for drinking water. I like my water infused lemon, not chemicals.

The science behind the dangers of fracking is still inconclusive, but given the chemicals used in the process there is no doubt that a danger exists. I recently had the opportunity to speak with a young environmental lawyer who was very critical of the method. Still, as America and the rest of the world seeks to transition away from coal and oil towards sun and wind, natural gas is an appealing intermediary. I would rather frack in America than send vast sums of money - some of which inevitably ends up in the hands of those who would use it to kill Americans - overseas for oil. Can we frack responsibly?

I don't know, though I would like to think that the answer is yes. At the very least it is worth a shot. Strong environmental and health regulations would have to be in place; it makes no sense to destroy the environment through fracking in an attempt to save the planet from dirtier fossil fuels. But the environmental and economic benefits are too good to pass up, and as any good businessman will tell you, if there is no risk, there is no reward. American natural gas could be a huge economic boon. An explosion of the industry would create jobs in America, increase exports, and save the county money on foreign imports. Also, natural gas is cleaner. Risky? It seems so. Rewarding? Potentially very. I say we give it a shot.

Ultimately, natural gas is not the long-term answer to the country or the world's energy problems. We will have to transition to renewable energy sources whether on our on terms or if forced by mother nature. Nevertheless, in the absence of a day-after-tomorrow moment (it is 2012!) we cannot, will not and should not make an abrupt transition. Natural gas, American natural gas, is an attractive transitional alternative. It is even touted by T. Boone Pickens, whose energy plan I have touted multiple times in the past. There are reasons to be opposed to fracking, but they are outweighed by the arguments to at least give it a shot.