Here's the bellwether of Public Opinion, taking its toll on free-for-all Frackers ...
Fracking Ban in New York Paves the Way for Other States
by Wenonah Hauter, ecowatch.com -- December 18, 2014
[...]
For the last two years, it has been impossible for Governor Cuomo to go anywhere in the state without fractivists by the dozens, hundreds, or thousands rallying outside his appearances, delivering the clear message: ban fracking now. At his polling place this November, Cuomo recognized the movement as the most powerful protest movement in the state.
[...]
Governor Cuomo heeded this call, and has positioned himself as a national leader in the movement to shift to an energy policy that is safe and based on efficiency and 100 percent renewable energy. New York is a bellwether state for fracking nationally, and is the first shale state to take such bold action against fracking. This decision has implications for other states considering fracking like Maryland, Pennsylvania, California and others.
[...]
The decision in New York will have a ripple effect across the country and act to strengthen efforts against fracking nationwide. The story of how tens of thousands of fractivists fought and won in New York with their blood, sweat and tears is awe-inspiring and demonstrates that we should fight for what we want -- not just the best that can be negotiated in a backroom deal or what others say is politically feasible. Instead we should work to change the political reality in order to win real improvements in people’s lives and protect our fragile planet for future generations.
Here, is the first serious
Frack Attack, following up on the momentum of that New York Fracking ban:
Federal Bill Introduced to Ban Fracking on Public Lands
by Anastasia Pantsios, ecowatch.com -- December 11, 2014
[...]
“Federal lands should be preserved for the public good,” said Pocan [Wisconsin congressman Mark Pocan, with Illinois Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky]. “There are serious safety concerns around fracking and it should not be allowed on our pristine public lands specifically set aside for conservation. As we learn more about fracking’s impact on the environment and people living near fracking wells, one thing is clear: the process can be harmful and the effects are not fully understood. We should not allow short-term economic gain to harm our environment and endanger workers.”
His comments reflect a battery of recent studies showing dangers of public health impacts from water and air pollution and public safety impacts from noise, traffic and earthquakes. That’s on top of the ruined landscape and the leakage of methane, a greenhouse gas which drives climate change, as well as the carbon emissions resulting from burning the fracked oil and gas extracted from those wells. And the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) failed to inspect more than half of the so-called “high priority” wells, which required more attention to prevent water and environmental contamination.
[...]
Currently, 90 percent federally managed lands are available for oil and gas leasing, including fracking, with just 10 percent protected exclusively for conservation, recreation, wildlife and cultural heritage. Oil and gas companies already have leased over 36 million acres of public land and seeking to use another 12 million acres in national forests and land adjoining national parks. Last year the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) updated fracking regulations on public lands and the rules are now at the Office of Budget and Management (OBM), the final step before being adopted, which is expected to occur early next year. During the comment period, over a million comments were received, with more than 650,000 opposing fracking on public lands, as polls show that Americans are increasingly sour on it.
[...]
Acres to Square Miles
36,000,000 acres = 56,250 sq mi (Public Lands currently under oil and gas lease).
12,000,000 acres = 18,750 sq mi (Public Lands being sought for oil and gas leasing).
For context, the state of Iowa is 56,272 sq mi -- just slightly over 36,000,000 acres.
And THAT is not enough of our Public Lands for Oil and Gas interests to make their next $100 Billion in quarterly profits. On our dime.
Besides the serious Greenhouse Gas implications of letting Fracking operations, 'off-gas' their excess methane (with next to no inspections) -- there are very serious health hazards left behind in our Public Land, Water, and Air ... after Frackers have done their pump-dump-and-run drill.
Congressman Mark Pocan Introduces Bill to Ban Fracking on Public Lands
Representatives Pocan and Schakowsky Take the Strongest Federal Action to Date Against Fracking in the U.S.
foodandwaterwatch.org -- December 10, 2014
[...]
“Progressive Democrats of America expresses our deep appreciation to Representative Pocan for his leadership on this important issue,” said Conor Boylan and Andrea Miller, Co-Executive Directors of the Progressive Democrats of America. “We wholeheartedly support his legislation to protect public lands from exploitation, degradation, and eventual destruction. We hope this courageous effort will culminate in strong protections, joining landmark environmental legislation like the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts.”
[...]
“We commend Rep. Pocan for introducing the Protect Our Public Lands Act,” said Karen Higgins, RN, co-president of National Nurses United. “Nurses understand the dangers to public health of pumping dangerous chemicals into our water supply. Fracking has been linked to miscarriages, infertility and birth defects. Congress should act immediately to ban fracking on federal lands.”
This bill comes before the finalization of the BLM’s proposed fracking rules, expected early in 2015.
H.R.5844 -
Protect Our Public Lands Act
Congress.gov -- 113th Congress (2013-2014)
If we don't demand "public resource" accountability -- who will?
The America's Natural Gas Alliance and the American Petroleum Institute?
The Cheney Energy Task Force?
Not likely. Corporations may be soulless "people" -- but they aren't "publicly-oriented" people.
That's our gig.