Now’s the time to join the crusade against hydraulic fracturing here

To the Editor:

Just do it, already.

OK, I am NOT a Nike supporter but maybe they were on to something with the slogan, "Just do it." I'm sure you can join me in confessing to a rather long list of things you've been wanting to do for years. Perhaps speaking up against fracking is one of them.

In case you live in a bubble… and you have no idea what fracking is, here's a short description: Hydraulic horizontal fracturing, now more commonly known as fracking, involves pumping millions of gallons of water, sand and over 900 chemicals, many of them toxic, thousands of feet under the earth's surface, releasing pockets of air by quite literally "fracturing" the rock where gas is residing. This process creates a toxic waste product that has to be disposed of somewhere. Furthermore, the chemicals disclosed and the method were deemed safe by regulators after being exempted from the Safe Drinking Water Act, which was granted in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (commonly called the "Halliburton Loophole," since Halliburton spearheaded the fracking process).

Fracking could be coming to your neighborhood very soon! It was reported in Natural Gas Weekly Dec. 26 that Spectra Energy is planning a $1 billion cubic-foot-per-day expansion to connect pipeline systems in Texas with Ohio to accommodate Ohio's growing Marcellus/Utica gas production. This adds 70 miles of pipeline, running from northeastern Ohio to southern Ohio. 

If you've been considering contacting your elected officials or getting involved in general, now is the time! Groups all across Ohio are joining efforts to protect our communities. Last Tuesday was a great example. Hundreds of concerned citizens stood in front of the Ohio Statehouse, asking our officials to no longer allow industry to pollute and exploit our world. BUT there is need for many more voices; in fact, it is time for ALL concerned people to stand up for all generations and the resources that we all share.

Can't make time to travel to the statehouse? Then grab some paper or your computer, and give our governor a call. Our governor has the authority to approve real regulations for industry. Boiled down, he's the guy who can keep us safe and healthy. Seriously, now is the time to contact someone other then your friend and let your voice be heard. Practice and support real democracy. Afterwards, you'll have helped make a difference, and you'll feel great.

The pertinent address: Gov. John Kasich, Riffe Center, 30th Floor, 77 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43215-6117, phone: (614) 466-3555.

Laura Post
Athens