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Essay / The Pros and Cons of Hydraulic Fracturing - 1102
Hydraulic fracturing and the supply chain of a to-be-constructed fracking site releases pollutants into the air. A fracking site in Wyoming recorded outrageous levels of pollution, "...with ozone levels in Wyoming recorded at 124 parts per billion...The Environmental Protection Agency's maximum healthy limit is 75 parts per billion” (Joe Hoffman). The fracking supply chain contributes to air pollution. “An estimated 400 tankers are used to transport water and supplies to and from sites” (Linda Dong). Fracking companies should not be allowed to circumvent national environmental laws because they are intended to keep us safe. The government must enforce the regulations established by the EPA for the health of American citizens and for the preservation of our ozone layer. With 1.65% more pollution coming from fracking, people are at higher risk of cancer, organ damage, nervous system disorders and even death. Our ozone layer, which is not only tarnished by fracking, but also by the process of building a fracking site, needs to be maintained. With government oversight to ensure fracking companies are complying with national environmental laws regarding pollution levels, there will be a decrease in negative externalities and help prevent a tragedy of the commons. It has also been reported that hydraulic fracturing affects