Risks of Horizontal Drilling and Hydraulic Fracturing in the George Washington National Forest
Report Summary - Public Forum, January 27, 2014
by Stephanie Lewis
 On the eve of what would have been Michelle's 29th birthday, concerned citizens in Arlington gathered for a public forum sponsored by MEF and Earthworks to discuss the dangers of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing (or "fracking") for natural gas in the George Washington National Forest. MEF President Gail Fendley moderated the discussion and introduced the presenters to the nearly 70 people in attendance. Dusty Horwitt, a Senior Analyst from Earthworks, began by explaining what fracking is; gave background on the GW Forest issue; and outlined the biggest risks associated with the decision should fracking become allowed. He tied parallels with the West Virginia water crisis, still fresh in everyone's minds, saying that worse could happen here should the DC drinking water supply be compromised. Nicole Condon, the Water Communications Coordinator for DC Water, expanded on this concern, emphasizing that 4 million people in the area depend on a single water source: the Potomac River, whose headwaters are located in the very same GW Forest in question. She warned that despite the potential economic benefits drilling could provide, in the event of chemical leaks or improper disposal of toxic wastewater, we are not adequately prepared for a response. Up-front expenses would be catastrophic - perhaps nearing $10 billion. The third and final presenter was Maureen Fiedler, Executive Producer and host of Interfaith Voices, a public radio show about faith, ethics and spirituality. She concluded the discussion with anecdotes about how communities can come together to make a real difference and implored us to do the same here. Michelle would have echoed this sentiment, as she believed every one of us plays a critical role in protecting our earth as a whole.
So what can you do about it?
1. Write a letter. To protect our drinking water and the George Washington National Forest from horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing, please write to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, and urge him to prohibit this type of drilling in the forest:
The Honorable Tom Vilsack, Secretary
U.S. Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Ave. SW, Suite 200A
Washington, DC 20250
e-mail: [email protected] 2. Spread the word. Word of mouth is a powerful tool-the more your neighbors, friends and community know and speak out about the issue, the stronger effect public opposition will have.
3. Contact us for more information. For more information on the George Washington Forest issue and how you can help, you may visit the Earthworks website at: http://www.earthworksaction.org/voices/detail/george_washington_national_forest |
Resources
"Don't Frack George Washington National Forest" Facebook Page
Virginia Chapter Sierra Club sample letter for Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.
Potomac River Keeper sample letter for Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. |
