Green River Case Study

Natural gases are the most important source of energy in the modern world of technology and electricity production, which makes the skyrocketing gas production in the U.S. due to hydraulic fracturing incredibly valuable in terms of global trade and economy. The United States has always been reliant on the Middle East and other European and Asian countries for energy, but is very quickly becoming energy independent. "By 2020, the Energy Information Administration predicts that the USA will become a net exporter of natural gas", reaching energy independence from other countries and starting to export gas to provide revenue and pay off debts (Hassett and Mathur). Even

1. (Table: Barrels of Oil) Refer to the table. How many barrels of oil should the company produce

Evidence: 18.6 million barrels per day (MMbd) of petroleum products during 2012, and the United States imported 11.0 million barrels per day of crude oil and refined petroleum products in 2012.

Canada became a net oil exporter in the early 1980s and has since grown to become the world’s fifth largest producer of crude oil (US Energy Information Adminstration 2015). In 1981 Canada’s net trade surplus in energy goods relative to its GDP sat at around 0.6 percent and by 2000 it had increased to 3.3 per cent (Stuber 2001). Canada produces about 4.4 per cent of the world’s oil; owns close to 10 percent of the world’s oil reserves and consumes roughly 2.5 per cent of the world’s oil (KPMG-SECOR November 2013). The US is currently Canada’s top importer of crude oil, importing close to 37 per cent of oil in 2014 (US Energy Information Adminstration 2015).

The importance of oil in our society is so great that it affects developed and developing countries. It is a huge contributor to economic growth and environmental destruction. Although the Alberta Oil Sands has destroyed acres of local and global (indirectly) ecosystems, it has achieved and ensured that Canada stays as an economic power. The economical, cultural, and political benefits the oil sands give to Canada makes it an irreplaceable asset to our nation and our global community

H.evidence/reason: Alison Singer references a previous claim that states that the US has enough natural gas to supply industries with 100 years worth of energy. However, more recent studies in 2013 have shown that the US’s energy industry may only produce approximately 24 years of an adequate flow of energy with the steady consumption of fossil fuels. Citation: (Singer, Alison)

ISSUE: The new supply of natural gas reachable by fracking is now changing the overall picture for U.S. electricity generation, with consequences for air quality.

The world’s energy consumption continues to increase and oil satisfies about a third of this requirement. Alberta oil sands is the 3rd largest known reserve behind Venezuela and Saudi Arabia, first and second respectively. With growing global demands and that of our neighbour, America, who imports 37% of their consumption from Canadian oil, the oil sands is the logical next-step in economic development. Developing the Alberta oil deposits has its inherent risks including both environmental and the wellbeing of land creatures including humans, but it’s not the first time humankind traded the environment and wellbeing for development. Nuclear power have shown to be devastating yet we still need it because current technology in clean energy is

As of 2015, US natural gas proved reserves totalled 324.3 tcfg. The US produces 28.8 mmcfg (million million cubic feet of gas) each year (4). With unrestricted drilling of new sites, totalling 723 tcfg, the US could significantly increase its natural gas production per year in the next 10-20 years (5).

locating and collecting at least about 5.7 billion barrels of oil. If the oil-producing process

Natural gas is a pillar in Canada’s energy resources landscape. Industry reports (IBISWorld) indicate that the oil and gas industries (e.g., gas extraction, gas field services, natural gas distribution) in Canada are expected to generate revenues of over $56.4bn in 2015. The Canadian Energy Research Institute projects Western Canada’s natural gas sector to add $2.3tn to Canada’s GDP between 2015 and 2035. While, sales are projected to generate $1.4tn in sales and $400bn in taxes, as well as attract over $450bn in capital investments over the next 20 years. Currently, it is estimated that shale gas contributes to 15% of Canada’s natural gas production and is growing. The National Energy Board estimates this to be 28% by 2035.

An additional benefit of fracking is that natural gas reduces overall greenhouse-gas emissions. As with all fossil fuels, burning natural gas produces CO2. However, CO2 emissions from natural gas are 50% lower than coal, and between 20% and 30% lower than oil (Howarth, Ingraffea, & Engelder, 2011). Also, the increase in production and availability of fracking-related natural gas has made it an economical alternative to traditional fossil fuels such as coal and oil for electrical power generation plants. Moreover, the combination of lower CO2 production from natural gas together with its widespread adoption as a

Newer Sources of Fossil Oil in North America (Favoring Production of Oil Sands and Opposing the Production of Tar Sands)

Daniel Bosque questioned that whether shale oil is able to make money back. I think his concern is valuable. Because shale oil is different from normal oil, shale oil come from rocks and is generally in solid form. Difficult to be explored means this kind of explore will use much harder technologies. As a result it will cost lots of money. Regular oil comes from ground which is easy to be explored, can cause little money. So experts should make should hale oil can rain more than buy oil from foreign countries, because shale oil is harmful to

The world’s largest producer of crude oil is Russia producing more than 5.3 million barrels per day (Barden 2017). The history of Russia’s oil industry started in the 16th