Coal vs. Fracking

     In the US, more than 50% of our power comes from coal. We all know that burning coal emits carbon dioxide which pollutes our air and destroys the ozone layer, but what have we done to change it? We have turned to natural gas. Halliburton, one of the world's largest natural gas producers, say that natural gas is "converting America's massive, untapped energy potential into the reality of millions of well-paying jobs, billions in state and federal revenue, and a real path to a clean and affordable energy future."
     Sounds great, right?

     Not so much.
     Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, produces a mini earthquake that releases natural gas. Still not a big deal. Although, the hydraulic fluid, such as dichlorobenzene and xanthene, can leak into the ground and contaminate water sources. Halliburton admits to using "a small percentage of additives to aid in the delivery of the solution," but what are these chemicals and how can they affect us? Let's just look at the thousands of people that have been affected by fracking. Across the country, people around hydraulic fracturing sites have experienced chronic headaches, hair loss, and have even developed cancer.
     Not too many people know about fracking, and I'm no expert myself, but the facts are clear and natural gas is hurting us. Coal may be bad, but it's not worth switching to something potentially worse.