Upon learning that one of our research topics would be hydraulic fracturing, I was intrigued since methods of addressing the present energy crisis are a subject of great interest to me. I was already familiar with some technical and environmental aspects of such methods. However, this assignment allowed me to consider fracking through the new perspective of public policy as I attempted in my testimony to reconcile its environmental and public health risks with its economic benefits. As my claim was a practical proposal rather than a conceptual clarification, not only did I research the status quo of regulations on fracking, but I also sought to propose a compromise whose terms would be reasonable and acceptable to all the parties involved. Finally, I spent some time simplifying the wording by revising clunky constructions and instances of passive voice that complicated my writing to arrive at my testimony’s present state.
YASH SONI is entering his sophomore year in the College of Engineering Class of 2016. He is a peer tutor at the Educational Resource Center and participates in the BU Hindu Students Council. Yash is also a member of BU Fatakada, a competitive traditional Indian dance team.