Community discussions

Fracking Ad

by Tom Reynolds

January 6, 2012

Natural gas drilling is one of the greatest dangers Upstate New York has faced in decades!

Who is it a danger to: The political elite that rule New York from Albany and New York City – with occasional help from upstate politicians and radical environmentalists.

Why is it a danger: It will create jobs! Private sector jobs! Good paying private sector jobs! People with good paying, private sector jobs do not owe their vote to financial support from the government. People with jobs can vote based on things other than their government handouts. The current political elite in NY know this and NOTHING scares them more!

Will it hurt tourism jobs? A recent study said that it would. As one of the reasons why, the study said that people would leave low paying tourism jobs for higher paying jobs, putting a strain on the tourism industry.

Shame on any of you who took higher paying jobs and put a strain on your former employer!
Will the jobs be short term: Many will be long term jobs and the wealth created will serve as seed money for revitalizing other areas of the upstate economy. What is the difference between gas drilling and “Economic Stimulus” and “Incubator Projects” that provide a short term bubble? Answer: gas drilling is not funded by tax dollars.

Will it change the rural nature of the area: No. Go to Dimock Pennsylvania which was vilified by the anti-fracking element. Look for the finished wells amongst the hills, trees and pastures of a rural town. Try finding the pipelines that are buried beneath the grass that cows are eating.

Will it impact farms: Farmers who were land rich and cash poor will now be able to buy farm equipment, renovate their houses and give up their second jobs. Local farmers can focus on farming and produce more crops that can be sold locally.

What about the unsightly drilling derricks and construction pads: Have you ever seen a construction site that was attractive? After a few months, the wells are drilled and the derricks get replaced by pipes sticking up 6 to 8 feet above the ground. Pipes that pump gas and money 24 / 365.

What about all the cases of toxic chemicals destroying the environment: Testifying under oath before Congress, the President of the Groundwater Protection Council said, “ …press reports and websites alleging that six states have documented over 1,000 incidents of groundwater contamination by hydraulic fracturing. Such reports are not accurate. Attached to my testimony are signed statements from state officials representing Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Mexico, Alabama and Texas responding to these allegations”.

The President of the Association of American State geologists has said, “There have been no documented cases of drinking water contamination that has resulted from hydraulic fracturing.”
The EPA Administrator has also testified such before Congress.