Fracking Reading

What is the main controversy surrounding fracking as discussed in the passage?

• Environmental risks and pollution

• High cost of extraction

• Lack of natural gas reserves

• Government regulations

According to the passage, what is the primary component of natural gas?

• Methane

• Carbon dioxide

• Sulfur dioxide

• Nitrous oxide

What did the 2010 documentary Gasland suggest about methane in tap water?

• It leaked from nearby gas deposits due to fracking

• It was naturally occurring in the water

• It was added by energy companies

• It was a result of water treatment processes

What is the purpose of 'proppants' in the fracking process?

• To hold open fractures in the rock

• To increase the pressure of the liquid

• To clean the extracted gas

• To prevent methane leakage

What new concern has been linked to fracking operations according to recent studies?

• Earthquakes

• Hurricanes

• Floods

• Tornadoes

What did researchers from Duke University find in private drinking-water wells near fracking sites?

• Methane contamination

• High levels of sulfur

• Increased water hardness

• Presence of heavy metals

What is the main argument of critics like Nadia Steinzor against fracking?

• It poses risks to drinking water supplies

• It is too expensive

• It is not efficient

• It is not regulated enough