Very disappointing reply from my liberal senator re: fracking.

[RiverLover]

Dear Ms. (Riverlover):

Thank you for getting in touch with me about natural gas drilling.

I share many of your concerns over energy development in our state. Ohio is poised for an energy boom. Previously unreachable natural gas in the Marcellus and Utica shales can now be recovered through hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking.” If done right, the push for Ohio’s natural gas can mean cleaner air, good paying jobs, and an influx of much needed economic activity in rural and Appalachian Ohio.

However, before rushing head-first into a new round of energy development, we must ensure that natural gas development guarantees safe environmental practices, good jobs for Ohioans, a fair deal for landowners, and sustainable, long-term economic growth for our communities. We cannot afford to settle for the environmental degradation, unemployment, and boom and bust economy that has too often followed energy development in our state.

The Marcellus and Utica shale deposits are not going anywhere. They will be developed. Now is the time to ensure that jobs are created for Ohioans, our environment is protected, landowners are treated fairly, and our state receives its fair share of natural gas revenues.

I appreciate hearing your concerns on this topic and welcome your suggestions for how these critical resources can be developed in our state’s best interests.

Thank you again for writing.

Sincerely,

Sherrod Brown

United States Senator

I think this was in response to something I sent from the Sierra Club, months ago. The last time I remember writing him was to unsubscribe from his email list after he endorsed Clinton over Sanders & O'Malley...


In other news~

Frackfree Mahoning Valley members to participate in Tuesday anti-fracking rallies

Two Studies Highlight Risks of Fracking-Released Methane

Researchers have linked US fracking to higher rates of cancer and heart conditions

Fracking Waste Puts Public at Risk, Study Says

It’s Official: Oklahoma Experiences More Earthquakes Than Anywhere Else in the World

[femmedem]

1. I have a pretty good liberal Senator who told a roomful of us that he supports fracking.

We all hissed. He probably never said it again in a small room of Democrats.

Sigh. When even the good ones don't get it, we have a big mountain to climb, and not much time left to climb it.

[RiverLover]

3. I'm sighing with you, femmedem. Its just so frustrating.

I wish I had the energy right now to write something more deep & meaningful...but all I got is that with even our "good ones" bending over for BigOil, I might just have to join the "We're fucked" crowd...

[femmedem]

5. Stay strong! Eventually there will be shift. A critical mass of the public finally seems to believe

that the danger is real and urgent, and we may be on the verge of a tipping point, as happened with the acceptance of same sex marriage.

[RiverLover]

7. From your lips...

Thanks!! I hope so.

[abelenkpe]

2. "They will be developed"

Buy earthquake insurance. Apparently greed insists Ohio pollutes its air and water.

[RiverLover]

4. And have really good health insurance. /nt

[Lifelong Protester]

6. Yipes! That disappoints me

sorry to hear he sees mostly the 'short term' gain and not the bigger environmental picture.

[haikugal]

8. That's horrendous...

Sharon Brown?!

Wow....we are so fucked!