Controversy Analysis, fracking, air pollution, gasland - Essay Example

Because of its potential to harm the environment, especially through the pollution of air, making it difficult for both humans and wildlife to survive, is an issues which has been widely discussed (McKenzie et al 80). The potential effects of fracking on the quality of air has led to the decision by the United States government to set up rules whose aim is to ensure that there is a reduction of the pollution of air by those companies which are involved in fracking. Among the first activities which led to the development of public awareness concerning the detrimental effects of fracking was the creation of the documentary film, Gasland.

This documentary was an attempt to create awareness, within the American public, of the effects of that attempts made by gas companies to extract natural gas in rural America have on the environment. Fracking means of gas mining done through the injection of chemicals and massive quantities of water at high pressures with the intention of cracking open the rocks deep beneath the surface and as a result releasing the natural gas (Byrne). As is evidenced in the film, while fracking has led to the emergence of the natural gas boom across the United States, there is also proof that this method of gas extraction has led to the contamination of the environment, especially air, which is an essential want for all Americans (Porter).

The fact that this film came into prominence is one of the reasons why the American government chose to take steps to ensure that the natural environment is protected against destruction through companies which use fracking in the extraction of natural gas. Gasland has created a new awareness in the public concerning the devastating environmental effects of hydraulic fracturing, which is the main means through which natural gas is extracted in the mainland United States. The film works towards the establishment of means through which these issues concerning the conservation of the American environment can be discussed and viable solutions for the environmental problems caused by these activities by oil and gas companies can be found (“Gasland”).

It can further be said that Gasland deals with the preservation, the development, and the return of the American natural environment to the state in which it was previously. Because of the influence of Gasland, the EPA was pressured to issue final air pollution standards whose main purpose is to ensure that all fracking operations conducted in the country use emission capture technology (“The Future of Fracking”). While this was the case, however, the EPA gave the gas companies required to implement these new rules what was termed a phase-in period before having to comply.

The new regulations that were put in place, were the first of their kind that were aimed at limiting air pollution due to the fracking process (“Clean Air and Natural Gas”). These regulations have created the requirement that all the operators who use this method have to capture natural gas and volatile organic compounds that are produced while the wells are being prepared for the production of gas (“Senate committee examines EPA rule on air pollution from fracking”). The fracking method, while creating vast potential for natural