10 episodes
While shale gas development may challenge the nation, it also provides many opportunities as well. For example, although some are concerned about the impact shale gas development opportunities may have on the environment including surface and ground water, air pollution, climate change, and habitat fragmentation, others point to its potential to reduce air pollution emissions as coal-fired power plants are replaced with natural gas plants and diesel-fueled vehicles are replaced with natural gas fueled vehicles. Other potential benefits include enhanced opportunities to create jobs not only during the hydraulic fracturing process but downstream in manufacturing. In addition, some indicate that shale gas development will lead to enhanced energy security job creation with the United States less reliant on non-North American oil sources. Policymakers and the public must balance these challenges and opportunities to identify the best short- and long-term strategy for the nation, states, and local communities.