Hydro-Fracking for natural gas; it’s very controversial. On the plus side it is reducing our dependence on foreign oil and reducing our greenhouse gas emissions (because it’s cheaper than coal). It’s also making some folks very rich.
Aerial view of hydrofracking wells from Safewatermovement.org
It Pollutes Water
On the downside, it pollutes our water. It also destroys aquatic and terrestrial wildlife habitat, converts rural landscapes into impervious, noisy industrial complexes and has ruined the lives of many people living next to them.
There is a lot more to it of course but why does it always have to be this way: corporate greed and secrecy versus the little guy? The money usually wins. Visit the Roanoke Times “Point-Counterpoint” piece by Greg Kozera, writing for the industry and by Sarah Francisco, Senior Attorney for the Southern Environmental Law Center for more. And read Chris Bolgiano’s response to Kozera.
I have no doubt that with American ingenuity we can extract natural gas without ruining our water, wildlife habitat and the lives of rural folks and their communities living next door to the industrial site. To achieve success we need four things: sound engineering, safeguards, superb construction and government oversight. This is not happening.
Truth Be Told
We also need the truth. What are the corporations pumping into the Earth and why aren’t we allowed to know? I have seen many “Youtube” videos of people’s tap water catching on fire and I have heard them say the gas companies are giving them free water for life because their water has been ruined but they can’t tell anyone about it. Is this any way to do business in America?
While the big corporations are making billions of dollars and selling what’s under our land oversees our water is being contaminated and our rural landscapes are being scared.
I don’t want to be one of those environmentalists that prevent new technology from happening just because we don’t have ALL the answers or we can’t prove nothing will ever go wrong (The “Precautionary Principal”) but when I read and hear what the energy corporations are saying I gnash my teeth. How can they think I’m that dumb? I just don’t believe many of the things they are saying. I’ve seen it before in American politics – if you keep telling the same lies eventually we believe them.
It’s being rammed down our throats for the sake of corporate profits.
One place that should definitely be off limits to hydrofracking is the George Washington National Forest (GW). This Forest supplies the drinking water for millions of people – just about every town and city adjacent to it and Washington D.C. It’s not worth the risk for many reasons.
The delegation from the Shenandoah Valley that met with Undersecretary Bonnie to request the continuance of the ban on hydrofracking in the GWNF. Standing L-R, Lynn Cameron, Kim Sandum, Nancy Sorrels, Everett May. Kneeling L-R, me, Kate Wofford and Sarah Francisco.
The Forest Service Plan for the GW is under review right now. And they are considering lifting the ban on hydrofracking in this Forest. Read the Southern Environmental Law Center’s position here.
Contact the Secretary of Agriculture right now. Let Secretary Vilsack know that hydrofracking is not an appropriate use of this National Forest.
Honorable Thomas J. Vilsack
USDA
1400 Independence Ave, SW
Washington DC 20250
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