Beware of fracking

Sat., Aug. 6, 2011

“Fracking” seems to be the latest energy buzzword and it really concerns me living in Idaho where recent proposals have been made to extract natural gas through fracking. Not only is this industry exempt from many federal laws that protect public health, clean water and clean air, but also many other states have had problems with the chemical drilling and fracking industry.

It is the responsibility of the state to protect Idaho families and make sure that no tap water in Idaho can catch fire or contain health hazards such as benzene, diesel fuel and many other toxic chemicals, which have already been dumped in groundwater in Wyoming, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas.

Idaho cannot afford to ignore that this industry can pollute drinking water sources. Let’s learn from the mistakes of other communities and protect ourselves.

Sarah Evans

Sandpoint

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