An editorial in the Baltimore Sun says Maryland should not allow the natural gas extraction method called hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking,” in the state without an independent study on the subject.
The editorial notes that natural gas companies have balked at providing $2 million to fund such a study, which should make Maryland residents wary.
“What are the natural gas companies hiding?” the editorial says.
At issue is whether drillers in Maryland would be able to tap into the Marcellus Shale, a gas-rich underground rock formation that also extends into New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia.
Fracking involves pumping millions of gallons of water underground to break up the shale and release natural gas deposits.
Public health advocates are concerned about a number of potential environmental hazards. For example, the fracking water contains toxic chemicals including the carcinogen benzene, and critics worry that those chemicals might seep into drinking water supplies.
According to the editorial, Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley issued an executive order calling for the creation of a commission and a study into fracking. But natural gas industry lobbyists successfully blocked state legislation that would have financed the study with a fee on gas leases.
Lopez McHugh is investigating injuries related to natural gas extraction in the Marcellus Shale natural gas reserve. If you have significant injuries, contact a Lopez McHugh attorney for a free evaluation.
See the editorial here:
