Independent Study
Independent Study
1. Outline in as much detail as possible what topic(s) you wish to investigate in an independent
study course:
I am interested in researching the envisioned possibilities behind “fracking” discussed by
major developed countries. Lately it was published that English PM, David Cameron will be
discussing at the Davos economic forum how fracking will assist in boosting the UK
economy. Other world leaders including US President Barack Obama have praised fracking
on a continual basis. I am interested in researching this topic more specifically to assess the
economic benefits vs. potential hardships of fracking.
The belief that we should be good stewards of the Earth should be recognized by all because
it will be our generation, our children, and our grandchildren who will be left to clean up
behind us. Therefore, properly identifying and understanding the benefits and risks of
fracking will give us a better understanding of the landscape surrounding the industry and, as
a result, allow us to take more calculated steps towards economic empowerment and
improvement through fracking.
Title for research: Fracking: Associated Economic Costs vs. Benefits
2. Describe the deliverables for the independent study upon which your grade will be based (papers,
exams, oral recitations, etc.). If you will produce a writer paper, furnish a tentative outline:
Introduction
Fracking: The process and its impacts
o Define “fracking” and different types
o Describe fracking process (most common)
o Detail current regulations and discuss future Federal and state policies
The Benefits of Fracking
o Cleaner-burning fossil fuel for power generation and transportation
o Royalties or leasing payments made to land owners
o Direct hires of workers by natural gas industry, census and salaries
o Decreased energy costs (residential, commercial, industrial)
o Indirect economic benefits (from purchase of goods and services associated with
development and expansion of natural gas industry)
The Costs of Fracking
o Water (surface vs. ground water, holding ponds, rules on the reuse of wastewater, and
the impact of leaky gas-well casings)
o Radiological concerns (management of drilling waste, investigate NORM)
o Human health concerns (release of volatile organic compounds)
o Natural resources (replenishment vs. damage)
o Public infrastructure and services (possible negative effects)
o Other economic impacts
Accounting for costs and benefits of Fracking
o Fracking Through Sound-Sensing Fiber Optics
Conclusions and Recommendations
3. Include information on any readings or cases that you will use:
Documentaries: Gasland (part 1 and 2), Carbon Nation, Truthland
Survey report: Climate Policy Options
The Costs of Fracking: The Price Tag of Dirty Drilling Environmental Damage
API, ACC, Energy in Depth, Weekly Shale, EIA, EPA, BP Statistical Review, Oil and Gas
Journal
I will also be using more primary sources during my research that I haven’t looked into yet.