The paper's Nov. 12 editorial delivers a message that's "detached from the actual facts."
The Nov. 12 editorial about the Wayne National Forest is blatantly false and delivers a misleading message that’s completely detached from the actual facts. Rather than check the facts, this paper chose to listen to the vocal minority of environmental radicals who continue to put forth myths regarding fracking.
Here’s the truth. In 2012, after an extensive review, the U.S. Forest decided that fracking is permitted in the forest. In fact, a quick Google search of news coverage from four years ago shows that the public made the forest aware of the need to review the 2006 Forest Plan (which granted oil and gas development in the Wayne) and, upon conducting a thorough review, the Wayne National Forest ruled to allow fracking.
Contrary to this paper’s claims, the Forest Service said “yes” to shale development. Feel free to call the Wayne National Forest directly to verify: 740-373-9055.
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The editorial also raised questions as to the issue of water quality and seismic activity. How many independent and government studies does it take to put to bed that fracking does not cause ground water contamination? The U.S. EPA studied this issue over five years and academic experts across the U.S. continue to do the same and they all conclude that fracking does not cause ground water contamination. Yet this paper (and environmental radical groups) continue to put forth this absurdly false, routinely debunked, claim.
I agree, voices do need to be heard on this issue, and there are a lot of people who do support domestically produced energy in Athens. BLM needs to hear their voices, too. Supporters of domestic energy, come to the hearing on the 18th from 6:30 to 8:30 at the Athens Community Center. Join your fellow, local supporters of responsible shale development in the Wayne National Forest.
Aric Kaskey is a junior studying civil engineering.
