Not a simple fact
Unlike Bill Lawson [DRC, Aug. 21], many independent scientists believe that the safety of hydraulic fracturing is not a simple fact that one can claim without thorough examination of short- and long-term effects of air, water and noise pollution associated with fracking.
Even if we ignore the simple fact that Denton residents have been suffering from air pollution, noise, land devaluation, leaks and explosion risk of fracking in their backyard, the growing body of scientific evidence should convince the oil and gas industry to slow down and be more cautious.
Recent research suggests that the simple fact that Lawson wants us to accept is not simply what the reality is.
Second, even if we accept that fracking plays a significant role in the Denton economy (yes, I’m talking about that 0.2 percent share) then the critical question is who is taking the benefits and who is suffering? Is the distribution of harm and benefits fair?
Many residents, who by the way have no share in the profits of fracking, are exposed to the harms and risks, while the industry and mineral owners, who mostly are not living in Denton, are taking away all the benefits.
If the republican form of government is not meant to protect individuals’ unalienable rights and establish justice, then what is it good for?
Mahdi Ahmadi,
Denton
