THE WILL POWER REPORT: FRACKING UP?

November 2011 Articles

Nothing but the Truth!
By Will Power

November 16, 2011 (San Diego)--Recent unexpected earthquakes in Virginia, Oklahoma and England have been linked by some geologists to "fracking"- injecting liquids and sands into underground faults to increase natural gas production.

Fracking opposed by environmentalists on many levels. The extant to which fracking encourages earthquakes is unknown. Fracking has been used to illegally dispose of toxic wastes which can poison water tables permanently. Finally, Big Oil often refuses to disclose what chemicals are contained in "proprietary" fracking fluids. In some cases benzene and other long-lasting toxic chemicals have ruined water tables permanently. Oil Companies have recently started running TV ads which purport to show fracking does not endanger drinking water. The public record shows otherwise.

Certainly earthquakes may appear anywhere. But the sudden rash of quakes in Texans and Oklahoma have some reputable geologists worried.

There have been few long-term studies on fracking. But evidence exists from Colorado and elsewhere that injecting liquids into fault lines may cause instability, although the extent is unknown.

Certainly the danger of poisoning aquifers and water supplies is a compelling reason for the federal government to regulate fracking. If fracking is allowed, strict regulation of "proprietary" chemicals should be mandated, to ensure no toxic waste is dumped into our future water supply.

Let's not frack up our drinking water!

Will Power is a retired history teacher and creative writing instructor. The views in this column reflect the views of its author and do not necessarily reflect the views of East County Magazine.

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