Worried about your crumbling home? Buy more insurance!
Last week, the state of Oklahoma had an incredible
40 earthquakes in one week.
EcoWatch reports that Oklahoma has experienced 40 earthquakes in the past seven days. Just yesterday, five quakes measuring over 4.0 magnitude were felt in Oklahoma and surrounding states, which would seem shocking but the rate of earthquakes has increased so dramatically in recent years that they’re probably pretty used to it by now. Just how dramatic is this increase? Oklahoma reported 562 earthquakes of 3.0 or greater in 2014 — three times as many as California had and 600 times the historical averages. No big deal! Nothing to see here!
Naturally, the residents of Oklahoma are concerned because their homes cannot take the stress of repeated earthquakes. They are cracking and falling apart. And all because
fracking wastewater is being injected into the earth.
When asked about changing the state's wastewater injection policies, Governor Mary Fallin said the state should be cautious because it could take up to year to make a difference. Okay—how about you get started then?
But, that wasn't even her most ridiculous statement. That came when she was asked what she would say to homeowners who are affected by the earthquakes:
“I would advise Oklahomans that they should call their insurance agent and see what types of products are available,” Fallin said.
I don't know about you, but if I'm an Oklahoma resident who's house is falling apart, you could probably measure my anger on the Richter scale. An Oklahoma activist notes it is not that easy:
Angela Spotts, co-founder of Stop Fracking Payne County, said many insurance policies have high deductibles and cover only catastrophic damage. Spotts attended the press conference following the panel’s meeting.
Less regulation, more insurance!