Argument Analysis Marcellus Shale

The term Marcellus Shale refers to the digging of wells in the ground to obtain the natural

gas that lies beneath. In analysis of the article, "Kelly: Marcellus Shale Development Key to

Energy Independence" written by Mike Kelly, the audience can infer from the title that the

author is pro Marcellus Shale drilling. The writer first believes that the US need not be

dependent on foreign energy sources and also that shale drilling is a necessary step to reach

energy independence.

From the start, the writer targets authorities of the national energy policies for their

contradicting statements and actions regarding the reduction of dependence on foreign oil. Kelly

makes it very clear that he feels little is being done to work towards this. He very simply states

(para. 4) that if "American energy production is expanded, government policies which drive up

gas prices are stopped, and a strategy that increases all forms of American energy is created," the

US can reduce its dependence of foreign oil.

Marcellus Shale is the answer. Why? First, the "US natural gas, recoverable oil, and coal

resources combined is equal to 1.3 trillion barrels of oil," which is stated by Kelly (para 5). That

being said, I wonder how much of the potential natural gas is within land owned by foreign

companies such as Shell or BP. It is possible that the gas being drilled by Marcellus Shale could

end up in foreign hands. Kelly also argues that shale drilling would create many jobs that cannot

be outsourced and also create revenue and produce energy (para. 6). These are all obviously

positive outcomes of drilling. My only concern would be the revenue to cost ratio. Yes, money

would be made from the land, natural gas, and taxes. Once the wells are dug, pipeline is

installed, and the gas is drilled, how much profit will really be made and is it truly beneficial in

the long run? It is estimated that around $500 billion will be added to Pennsylvania's economy

throughout the next 20 years (McClure). How does this compare to the cost to drill. Kelly could

have included the profit to backup his argument.