An article written by Jan Goodwin from truth-out.org called Fracking’s Health Calamities Left to Fester forced me to think even more about the possible health consequences of fracking. Politicians including Barack Obama have claimed that shale gas is going to last us at least 100 years however the plunging prices have even had us considering exporting our natural gas to other countries See a previous post on the topic . Jan’s tells us that fracking is taking place in 36 states across the country and it’s turning them into toxic industrial zones. The article discusses the late Chris Mobaldi who died in 2010. Of course the burden of proof falls onto the family to prove that the water contaminated by the nearby fracking wells caused her death. Or perhaps it was the well that exploded near their family home? Her husband Steve discusses how their pets developed tumors, trees were dying left and right and two baby llamas died of respiratory issues. Okay so there were other factors at play in her death, but if faced with their living situation and evidence of water contamination would you tell them– We are not responsible? The Oil & Gas companies who built the wells sure didn’t think so. Here is a direct quote from the postindependent article : gas industry spokesman, David Ludlam, wrote in an e-mail about Mobaldi’s death: “The West Slope Colorado Oil & Gas Association is an organization, but we’re made up of people. And on behalf of our membership, we offer condolences to the Mobaldi family. Offering anything beyond reverence, at this time, would be a great disrespect to her family and community.”
Scientist Theo Colburn, Ph.D. (what do they know, huh?) found 944 chemicals used in different mixes of gas drilling and has testified before Congress many times. She offers this advice for those who live near wells– “move away. But how can they, if they have a mortgage and a house they can’t sell because their water has been poisoned?”. There are stories of gas and oil companies saying “Prove it. Sue us. You won’t win”. Lawyers all of sudden stop representing families and instead gain employment with Oil & Gas Companies. In Pennsylvania physicians also claim that O&G companies pushed a gag order through that prevents them from informing their patients about chemicals! PROFITS = POWER. Large companies can drown small-town lawyers and people in paperwork for years! Let’s not forget: WE DON’T NEED NATURAL GAS OR FOSSIL FUELS. We just WANT them and aren’t willing to invest more in alternatives. Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands are actually using their own waste to produce energy. Check out what Sweden had to do! The United States has the most waste of any country– perhaps we should look into it! If only we each had our own millionaire that would fund things we want.
Check out the full article at Fracking’s Health Calamities Left to Fester to read more personal stories and further information about the Halliburton Loophole.
DISCLAIMER: This article is the opinion of one person, Pheasant Weber and does not necessarily represent the views of my whole policy class. Check out the articles– I always cite my research!
