Interest in and concern about "fracking" -- the hydraulic fracturing of subterranean shale deposits which contain huge reserves of natural gas -- motivated me to rent and watch a very interesting documentary by fellow Pennsylvania native Josh Fox, entitled Gasland.
While the documentary makes is clear that a number of homeowners have had their groundwater contaminated by natural gas released in the fracking operations and that these people appear to be at their wits end, I don't view this as the biggest matter of concern, since many of these families sold leases to drill on their land and that natural gas percolating into their aquifer shouldn't come as any great surprise.
The biggest issue of concern, to me, is what is in the chemicals that are being used in the fracking operation and what the environmental impact studies, if any, show.
Therefore, I support the FRAC Act, which has stalled in Congress, and I urge you to contact your legislator and express your support in the hope that this legislation can come to a vote.
While I want us to continue to develop and recover shale gas, which I consider to be an important new part of our national security picture, the cost of the energy we consume must reflect the true cost of developing that energy, including environmental and health costs.
Developing a fossil fuel energy source at an artificially low cost because of select exemption from environmental regulation only serves to delay the adoption of energy saving innovations and renewable energy options.
Not to mention the millions of residents of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York who want to know exactly what is in their drinking water.
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