ThinkProgress has a piece up that says that outgoing Democratic Governor of Maryland, Martin O'Malley, is ready to allow Fracking in Maryland.
“We’re committed to ensuring that Marylanders have access to the economic opportunities associated with fracking, while also putting the most complete practices into place to ensure the highest level of protection for Maryland residents.” O’Malley said in a statement to the Baltimore Sun.
This piece repeatedly makes mention to the reported "strictness" of the rules that are being proposed, but contains some information that, in spite of whatever strictness is imposed, should be cause for alarm:
From the Baltimore Sun link:
The report estimates that drilling and extraction could generate as many as 3,400 new jobs and millions in tax revenues for the region, but notes that those benefits are likely to last only a few years and that energy development could hurt tourism and outdoor recreation, two other industries on which the region relies.
The report also said there is "no doubt" that fracking has the potential to harm public health, the environment and natural resources. But it says regulations and enforcement can limit those risks.
So, let's take the risks of poisoning our environment, possibly triggering a bunch of earthquakes, all for the sake of maybe a few years of a few thousand jobs in one industry, potentially at the expense of
two other industries...for what?
There's obviously I'm sure a devil in all the details, but for a many considered by many to be contemplating throwing his hat in the ring for 2016, with such a move, should he really merit our consideration, given the increasingly dire prognostication coming forth about the environment?
I'd say: Not anymore.