Calvin, Mac, Vicky

Through the medium of a comical game show, we describe the process, benefits, and controversies of fracking to our viewers. The two contestants on “What The Frack?” portray their standpoints, and the player ultimately has to chose which side to take on the matter. Contestant One works for the EPA and believes that the health and environmental risks of fracking outweigh economic benefits. Contestant Two strongly encourages fracking because the he believes that the creation of new technologies will most definitely make fracking safer for the environment and increase jobs, which will positively impact the economy.

Hydraulic fracturing is used both onshore and offshore, but we chose to focus on onshore fracking because it is relevant to where we are currently living. Fracking companies start by locating a drill site, which can end up being controversial in residential areas of Pennsylvania. Drilling can take up many acres of land, but once the oil is retrieved from the well, transported, and finally refined, it can be used as a readily available energy source.  Oil from fracking makes us non-dependant on foreign oil and creates jobs. The most controversial aspect of this process is the disposal of the fracking fluid, because chemicals used in the process can be harmful to human health as well as the environment.

Emma, Julie, Dylan, Max