Question

Use the scenario and table to answer the question.
An oil and gas company plans to expand its fracking area. The company requests a drilling permit from the local government. Before members of the local government vote to approve or deny the company's request, they ask a team of geologists to investigate the long-term effects of fracking. The team's findings are highlighted in the table.
Sphere
Observations
Potential Risk
Lithosphere
Soil samples reveal high levels of salinity in addition to an excess of heavy metals like mercury and lead.
Contaminated soil cannot support healthy plant life, limits food production.
Atmosphere
High levels of methane gas detected.
Methane is a main greenhouse gas which significantly contributes to global warming.
Hydrosphere
Millions of gallons of water is needed to frack one well. Wastewater spills and other runoff contain toxic chemicals.
Freshwater supplies for residents will be reduced, and drinking water may be contaminated.
Which action will members of local government most likely take based on the information presented in the table?
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Answer 1

Based on the information presented in the table, members of the local government will most likely deny the oil and gas company's request for a drilling permit. The observations indicate significant potential risks to the environment, including contaminated soil affecting food production, methane emissions contributing to global warming, and the threat to freshwater supplies and drinking water from toxic chemicals associated with fracking. These findings highlight serious environmental and public health concerns that would likely sway the local government to prioritize the well-being of the community and the environment over the company's expansion plans.