New Energy Sources

Over the last several years, drilling for geothermal and natural gas energy sources has produced considerable debate about the geologic/seismic effect of such exploration. Considering that the geothermal exploration is taking place along the San Andreas fault line in California, and that the drilling for natural gas is occurring only a short distance from the site of one of the worst earthquakes in American history, the New Madrid quake of 1809, has led some to question the legitimacy and desirability of these endeavors. When one considers that the history of American progress since the beginning of the industrial age has proven that needs will always rise to meet supply, it is of some question as to whether the risk of catastrophic seismic activity, with the attendant potential loss of life and property, is worth the possible temporary gain in a new energy source.