Urge Maryland Senate to Pass the Fracking Moratorium

  • by: Rebecca Gross
  • recipient: Maryland Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr.

Fracking is a relatively new process that has not been in use long enough to even be in science textbooks. Thus, we do not know all of the risks and effects it poses to human and environmental health. More research on these effects is needed before fracking is to be undertaken.

 

Although precautions are being taken by those fracturing, the potential for harm is still present. Therefore, there is a growing need for research on this issue if a health calamity is to be avoided as desire for fracking in the state increases. Your support of this moratorium could not be more important or timely as we seek to protect our environment and our health from a potential threat.

 

Today, I am asking you to take a stand and sign this petition. The bill being passed, Senate Bill 601, will allow for a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing until research has been done to show whether it will be safe or not.

 

Don't let energy companies start fracking until we know what it will do to our health, our water, and our environment.

Dear Maryland Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr.
Please support SB601, the moratorium on hydraulic fracturing (fracking)


Fracking is a relatively new process that has not been in use long enough to even be in science textbooks. Thus, we do not know all of the risks and effects it poses to human and environmental health. More research on these effects is needed before fracking is to be undertaken.


 Hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking, is the main method of extracting natural gas from underground reservoirs. The natural gas is released through a well that has been drilled into the rock beneath the water table when pressurized water and chemicals are pumped down to create microfractures in the rock.


Natural gas is in high demand, providing almost 25 % of our nation’s energy as it replaces coal and oil as a cleaner burning fuel. If all of the natural gas resources in the United States were used, this energy would power us for 110 years. To begin fracking in Maryland could create jobs and revenue, as well as increased energy, for our state. However, the costs of fracking may outweight the benefits, and so research on this issue is crucial to understanding whether we should allow fracking or not.


 While plentiful natural gas is helpful for our economy, repercussions of the drilling and fracturing have already been reported across the United States. Due to its penetrative nature, fracking may cause contamination of our precious drinking water with some of the 750 chemicals it uses, including 29 known carcinogens.


In areas where fracking is taking place, there have been reports of homes exploding, water having increased flammability, animals becoming sick and losing fur, and residents having adverse health effects such as respiratory, nervous, and digestive system issues. Between January 2008 and June 2010, gas companies have spilled 4.4 million gallons of fracking and drilling wastewater in Colorado alone. Also, there have been 27 lawsuits in six states against industrial companies by citizens and towns complaining of water contamination, air pollution, and harmful levels of chemicals being emitted into the air and water. All of these incidences have been allegedly sourced to the energy industries and their contamination of water and air supplies.


 Although precautions are being taken by those fracturing, the potential for harm is still present. Therefore, there is a growing need for research on this issue if a health calamity is to be avoided as desire for fracking in the state increases. Your support of this moratorium could not be more important or timely as we seek to protect our environment and our health from a potential threat.


 Thank you for your consideration of this pressing issue.


Sincerely, 

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