To: Hydraulic Fracturing Study, Nova Scotia Environment<\/p>\n
We would like to add our voices to those advocating a cautious approach to the exploration and development of shale gas resources through fracking. \u00a0A moratorium on the practice is highly advisable.<\/p>\n
Our reasons follow:<\/p>\n
(1) \u00a0 \u00a0Rural residents in areas where fracking has occurred often report health problems, unusable well water, and air pollution. \u00a0While incontrovertible proof of a cause-effect relationship may be impossible to achieve, the circumstantial evidence is strong \u00a0enough to put the burden of proof on advocates of fracking, to show that it cannot cause such damage.<\/p>\n
(2) \u00a0 \u00a0The resources needed to extract natural gas from fracking wells can be enormous, and include chemicals, some unknown, which can have adverse effects on both human health and the environment. \u00a0The energy needed to transport these resources to the wells makes us question how clean the resulting natural gas would be.<\/p>\n
(3) \u00a0 \u00a0The provincial economy is currently hurting, so the temptation to support short-term fixes may be strong. \u00a0If such fixes are environmentally hazardous, the long-term costs can seriously outweigh the short-term benefits. \u00a0 Some of these costs may be difficult to measure. \u00a0Their gravity can still be enormous.<\/p>\n
We request a moratorium on shale gas exploration and exploitation until the environmental and health risks associated with this practice are completely understood and eliminated. \u00a0The value of fossil fuels is only going to rise in the long run, so what\u2019s the hurry to exploit them?<\/p>\n
It is not just natural gas. For more information on the application of fracking in the oil shales see:<\/strong><\/p>\n http:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2011\/05\/28\/business\/energy-environment\/28shale.html?_r=1&hp<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" To: Hydraulic Fracturing Study, Nova Scotia Environment We would like to add our voices to those advocating a cautious approach to the exploration and development of shale gas resources through fracking. \u00a0A moratorium on the practice is highly advisable. Our … Continue reading