Suspending Common Sense as Volume Increases Over Fracking Risks

Sometimes politicians seem confused by their jobs, and, thus, fail to do their jobs. They are elected to represent “the people,” not just some of the people and certainly not business before people.

Such is the case with “fracking.”

This is one of those “do the right thing issues.” Fracking is the process of injecting water and various chemicals deep underground under high pressure to drive gas and other petroleum products out of the ground into pumping stations.

The problem is that this process seems to pollute the ground and water in the ground, hence the drinking water of those in relative proximity to fracking. The industry and many politicians dispute this, but there is growing evidence groundwater pollution is a major issue and will become even more of an issue as the process spreads to more areas. There are other issues, such as huge amounts of water used (up to 5 million gallons per well), radioactive wastewater and fracturing underground formations.

For some reason, Republicans are again on the wrong side of an issue. But since they in general oppose the EPA and many regulatory constrictions, fracking has become another political sticking point between the GOP and those who think slower is better.

This type of stance by Republicans reinforces the public view that they are bought and paid for by special interest groups. (A perception that people have of most all politicians, regardless of party.) In this case, the oil and gas industry, which continues, along with much political assistance, to push for more fracking and fewer regulations.

Now to my way of thinking, this is the kind of thing we should make sure is safe before we expand it. Just makes sense, since pumping chemicals into the ground would seem to be a risking proposition as far as pollution goes. So the “do the right thing” stand should be let’s make sure this is safe first.

Some politicians, money blinding their clear, or sensible sight, disagree, saying energy and more jobs are a priority. I’d argue that making sure you aren’t poisoning people is a primary priority. And while I understand over-regulation can crimp business, this is why the government, on a federal level needs to mandate moratorium on fracking until independent studies show it is safe.

In some cases, politicians have passed legislation banning the disclosure of chemicals and other ingredients companies inject into their wells. And in Pennsylvania, doctors are allowed to see a list of chemicals used, but are forbidden to discuss them with patients. How is this possible? Another example of politicians stepping between a doctor and his or her patient. Outrageous.

Bitch about regulation if you want, but in the long run sensible regulations save us money we might later spend on cleanup. (BP and the Gulf mean anything?) And, frankly, I wouldn’t want any gas company fracking in my back yard . . . I’m guessing narrow-minded politicians wouldn’t either. Maybe they should spend some time with a family whose water smells like chemicals and burns like gas before they decide to allow unfettered fracking over the growing protests of their constituents.