Understanding the Oil Industry in West Texas

What is a major reason proponents support increased oil drilling in the US?

• To reduce global oil prices

• To increase oil imports

• To decrease the use of renewable energy

• To create more jobs and lower living costs

How does oil production benefit the University of Texas?

• It provides scholarships for students

• It adds to the university's endowment

• It reduces tuition fees

• It funds new research facilities

What is a key component of modern fracking?

• Horizontally drilled wells

• Using only water for drilling

• Vertical drilling techniques

• Avoiding the use of chemicals

Why are some workers leaving the oil industry?

• Lack of job opportunities

• Better work-life balance in renewable energy jobs

• Higher salaries in other sectors

• Decreasing demand for oil

What is a major challenge for achieving US energy independence?

• Excessive oil imports from Europe

• High demand for renewable energy

• Inadequate refinery infrastructure

• Lack of oil reserves

What is a reason some oil workers consider switching to renewable energy jobs?

• Higher salaries in renewable energy

• Better job security

• Less training required

• More time at home

What is a consequence of unplugged oil wells?

• They can cause environmental damage

• They reduce methane emissions

• They increase oil production

• They are cost-effective for companies

What is a potential risk of wastewater injections from oil wells?

• They can cause oil prices to drop

• They reduce the need for drilling

• They can lead to earthquakes

• They increase the efficiency of oil extraction

What is a hidden cost of oil production not often calculated?

• The cost of drilling new wells

• The cost of plugging old wells and cleaning up chemicals

• The cost of transporting oil

• The cost of refining oil

What is a significant finding of the University of Texas study regarding emissions?

• Renewable energy has no impact on emissions

• Oil production must increase to reduce emissions

• Net-zero emissions by 2050 could grow the economy

• Texas cannot achieve net-zero emissions