Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
Is shale oil a sustainable business model?
Position2 of 3

Shale drilling is bad for the environment, independent of any poor financial outcomes

Shale oil destroys the landscape and leaves a large pockmarked surface polluted by chemicals. The long run environmental problems of shale make it a poor business model, as communities are left to pick up the pieces.

Supporting arguments · 2

  1. Shale drilling leaks toxic chemicals into drinking water
    The hydraulic fracturing (fracking) process of shale poses significant threats to water supplies.
  2. Shale oil extraction results in air pollution
    Fracking releases cancer-causing chemicals into the air. Such a reality forces residents to move far away from their homes in hopes of protecting their families. Those who cannot move away are punished by the conditions that were not their doing. Fracking companies deny the existence of fracking induced air-pollution.