Graduate Thesis Or Dissertation
 

A Practical, Ethical Critique of Hydraulic Fracturing and the Shale Gas Extraction Process

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https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/concern/graduate_thesis_or_dissertations/4b29b8361

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  • This thesis analyzes the emerging technology of hydraulic fracturing and shale gas extraction process through a pluralistic philosophical approach. Rather than defending traditional values in nature, such as intrinsic value, I defend a metaphilosophical pragmatism centered on policy implications. I argue that different philosophical positions will, most of the time, converge on similar policy recommendations, although appealing to different justifications for why that policy ought to be adopted. After defending why I avoid past dogmas in environmental ethics, I create my pluralistic approach by first cultivating an attitude of humility toward the precious resource of water. Then, I argue companies should not be allowed to classify their slick water mixture as a proprietary formula protected by the "trade secret" clause because this violates the notion of informed consent of the residents. Next, I examine exemptions from the Safe Drinking Water Act and how the structure of the law perpetuates the use of fossil fuels throughout modern society. Finally, I examine the discourse about fugitive methane emissions and whether natural gas is the "bridge-fuel" to the future as proponents claim. I conclude this thesis defending natural gas as a viable option to satisfy current high-energy demands rather than coal or oil, but I acknowledge that since natural gas is another fossil fuel, that a switch to renewable energy should occur as soon as possible.
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