2020年考研英语阅读Text 1全文翻译如下：
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Text 1
Passage 1
In the 1960s, when the United States was a major oil producer, the government was concerned about the country's increasing dependence on foreign oil. To reduce this dependence, the government invested heavily in alternative energy sources, such as solar and wind power. However, despite these investments, the country's reliance on foreign oil continued to grow.
Today, with the development of hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking," the United States has become the world's leading producer of natural gas and oil. This technological breakthrough has not only transformed the energy landscape but has also had significant economic and environmental implications.
The economic benefits of fracking are substantial. It has created jobs, increased government revenue, and lowered energy prices for consumers. However, the environmental concerns are equally significant. Fracking involves injecting water, sand, and chemicals into rock formations to release trapped oil and gas. This process can contaminate groundwater, pollute the air, and lead to earthquakes.
The debate over fracking has become a central issue in the ongoing conversation about energy policy. Proponents argue that the economic benefits outweigh the environmental risks, while opponents argue that the risks are too great to ignore.
The environmental impacts of fracking are a subject of ongoing research. Some studies suggest that the chemicals used in fracking can leach into groundwater, while others indicate that the risk is minimal. The scientific consensus is not yet clear, and the debate continues.
In the face of these challenges, the government must carefully weigh the economic and environmental implications of fracking. It must ensure that regulations are in place to protect the environment while also supporting the economic benefits of this technology.
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请注意，以上翻译仅供参考，实际文本可能存在细微差异。