We were discussing the importance of natural gas as a transition energy source to carbon-free energy production. The US has vast natural reserves, most noteworthy in the Marcellus shale of the Appalachians. This has become commercial in the past twenty years due to technical advances in horizontal drilling and hydraulic extraction, called "fracking". There is real controversy as to the environmental hazards of fracking. It is quite an emotional topic, so make up your own mind, but beware of using secondary sources. Here is a starting reading list:
1. http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=shale-gas-and-hydraulic-fracturing#comments
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydraulic_fracturing
3. http://gaslandthemovie.com/
4. http://climateprogress.org/2010/03/03/natural-gas-fracking/
5. http://blogs.forbes.com/christopherhelman/2010/08/08/can-gas-fracking-pollute-groundwater-unlikely/
6. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703399204574507440795971268.html
7. http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/blogs/beltway-confidential/environmental-defense-fund-admits-propaganda-effort-against-natural-gas-exploration-is-bunk-105903083.html
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