"Fracking" is hydraulic fracturing, or an alternative method of drilling to obtain natural gas deposits. The federal government institutes a new energy policy that
includes funding for fracking initiatives in eligible states. Which of the following would be a negative externality?
The government may import less oil and natural gas.
The government may have less to spend on oil-drilling infrastructure.
O Using the fracking method may boost hydro-energy production
Using the fracking method may pollute the water.

An externality is a result of an industrial activity. In this case Fracking practices use a lot of water for drilling and it mix the water with different chemicals that would pollute natural water sources.

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annyksl annyksl · Answer 2 · 2020-02-10T16:42:31+01:00

Answer:

Using the fracking method may pollute the water.

Explanation:

In addition to the dangerousness common to any type of drilling, such as loss of land use, large amounts of industrial waste, pollution and compromised quality of life for the inhabitants of the regions close to the wells, there are also risks potentially associated with fracking itself , such as possible water pollution.

During hydraulic fracturing, one third of everything inside the well comes up, including the water used, the solvents used and the extraction residues. This brings risks of contamination of groundwater, a risk that was already common in the traditional drilling methodology. Any leakage of gases, especially methane, pollutants and contributors to the greenhouse effect are an additional risk.