In order to remove shale gas from the earth, gas companies drill wells deep into the earth’s surface and pump fluid into them. 1 Shale gas is a type of natural gas found under shale rock, which is common throughout the United States. While people have known for a long time that shale gas existed, until recently there was no way to access it. However, modern technology has changed the situation. We can now tap into a vast supply of shale gas, which we can use to inexpensively heat homes, power automobiles, and produce electricity. Shale gas has become the fastest-growing energy source in the United States and is the cleanest of all fossil fuels. Burning shale gas releases less carbon dioxide into the air than burning coal or oil.
2 Despite its benefits, however, many people oppose the use of shale gas. They think that the process used to access shale gas, hydraulic fracturing, also called “fracking,” is harmful to people and the environment because it pollutes drinking water. These opponents are mistaken.
3 To access shale gas, gas companies drill wells several thousand feet into the earth. They pump fluid under high pressure into these wells. This fluid fractures, or breaks up, the shale rock, so the shale gas can be removed from the earth. While this fluid consists mainly of water and sand, it also contains a small amount of chemicals. Those who oppose hydraulic fracturing believe that these chemicals will contaminate drinking water, making it unsafe to drink. However, the risk of this happening is extremely small—and it can be eliminated completely if gas companies avoid drilling near drinking-water sources.
4 The benefits of hydraulic fracturing far outweigh the risks. For one thing, burning shale gas is good for the economy. The high cost of fuel in the United States has led many businesses to move to other countries. The affordability of shale gas will keep this from happening in the future. It may even encourage some of the businesses that have left the United States to return. Using shale gas also benefits homeowners because it reduces their heating and electricity bills.
5 Hydraulic fracturing also creates jobs. As the demand for shale gas increases, gas companies will need more employees. It is estimated that the use of hydraulic fracturing will create more than 500,000 high- paying, safe jobs. Americans need to embrace the use of shale gas. It is the solution to the energy crisis and the key to a productive future for our country.
Unit 5 Interim Assessment
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Which statement supports the claim in the first essay that the benefits of hydraulic fracturing outweigh the risks?

"Using shale gas also benefits homeowners because it reduces their heating and electricity bills."
"Using shale gas also benefits homeowners because it reduces their heating and electricity bills."

"To access shale gas, gas companies drill wells several thousand feet into the earth."
"To access shale gas, gas companies drill wells several thousand feet into the earth."

"Hydraulic fracturing, also called 'fracking', is harmful to people and the environment because it pollutes drinking water."
"Hydraulic fracturing, also called 'fracking', is harmful to people and the environment because it pollutes drinking water."

Which statement supports the claim in the first essay that the benefits of hydraulic fracturing outweigh the risks?

A Using shale gas also benefits homeowners because it reduces their heating and electricity bills.

B To access shale gas, gas companies drill wells several thousand feet into the earth."

C Hydraulic fracturing, also called 'fracking', is harmful to people and the environment because it pollutes drinking water

D These chemicals seep into the ground surrounding the well and contaminate groundwater."