Project description
7. The development of new extraction technologies in the oil and natural gas industries has shifted the worlds energy economy over the last five years to one where the United States is at the forefront as an energy producer. With the increased production in oil and natural gas, the pipeline transportation systems are at capacity and alternative methods are used to move un-refined and refined product throughout the United States. One such method is the movement of crude using railcars. A recent accident in West Virginia has highlighted the delicate balance of the energy movement throughout the United States where a rail accident occurred, see:
http://powersource.post-gazette.com/local/region/2015/02/17/Derailed-CSX-train-in-West- Virginia-hauled-newer-model-tank-cars-oil/stories/201502170171
One aspect of a vibrant society is the availability of low cost energy. However, many sources of energy result in polluting the environment we live in. Provide a one page (1.5 spacing, 12 point font, 1 margins) assessment of the energy status in the United States and provide your opinion on what should be done in the near term of the next 5 to 20 years to balance a healthy economy with a clean environment.
The use of referred articles and use of reputable sources will garner higher points. Note that the article in the listed URL is an example of the complexity of energy; you do not need to address this specific incident in your article. (25 points)