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.