In order to analyze why fracking has become so popular among energy companies, it is important to take a look at some of the benefits of fracking. From an economic standpoint, tapping into the ground allows for the United States to produce energy without the need of spending money on expensive international sources of fuel. Natural gas aids in the affordable transition away from coal and dropped carbon emissions by 28% between 2005 and 2017 [4]. The natural gas industry also accounts for over 200,000 jobs in Ohio alone [4].
For Monroe County, increased tax collections have been put to good use in benefitting the community. First off, $89 million has been given to the Switzerland of Ohio Local School District [4]. As the need for funding for education grows, natural gas provides a source of tax revenue for the government which can be put towards the education of the next generation of scholars. For the rest of the community, much needed projects such as “sewer treatment facilities, roadway improvements, broadband internet, and new county services” can be implemented. With a poverty rate of 16.6%, these improvements could lead to greater quality of life within the Monroe County community [5].