This is an old adage. Yet with the introduction of “Fracking” as a way to increase the production of natural gas, our water tables may become polluted and make this true.
“Fracking” or Hydrofracturing is a way of use hydraulic drills to cut through shale rock and produce cracks around natural gas deposits. 4 to 7 million gallons of water are introduced for each fracking along with chemicals to force the natural gas to the surface. It is hoped that this will make us more energy independent, but at what cost. Corporations have been asked to produce lists of the chemicals that they are using for this process. This has not happened. In addition to the water that may be polluted, water enters the atmosphere and comes back down as rain, snow, etc. What pollutants are being put into our air.
Another concern is the potential of earthquakes as we drill into the earth. Research is just beginning to check on the connections between fracking and increased earthquake activity.
Educate yourself through the following websites www.frack.mixplex.com/fracking, www.citizenscampaign.org/special features/hydrofracking-center.asp www.nrdc.org/energy/gasdrilling
You can join concerned people who encourage a ban on hydrofracking until technology has been changed to make it safer without toxicity. Call on Congress to pass the Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals Act this year.
Encourage the use of solar energy. We know we need additional energy, but let us get it safely without ruin to our environment.
“Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Water, which is very useful and humble and precious and chaste.” St. Francis of Assisi Canticle of Brother Sun
instruments of peace 