Whose Boom, Whose Bust? Marcellus Shale Fracking
The gas industry has rushed into Central Appalachia at a pace that is overwhelming informed citizen decision-making. The discovery that horizontal hydraulic fracturing of the deep Marcellus Shale can bring trillions of cubic feet of natural gas to harvest is bringing in a drilling industry stampede that is already overwhelming certain areas in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, with parts of Ohio, New York, and Maryland lining up. This new phenomenon is highly controversial in ways not dissimilar to the controversies revolving around coal. Arguments rage over jobs vs. environment; domestic energy vs. imported energy; private property rights vs. community rights.One can find countless reams of information about Marcellus Shale Fracking.
What is needed, we feel, is a recapitulation of basic Biblical/Theological concepts on God-given human responsibilities that can point us in a moral/ethical direction. Of course, people of good will can differ on some points, so we need to keep a modicum of humility and openness and civility as we engage this critical issue. But make no mistake, the Marcellus Shale gas exploitation is rapidly and significantly changing the face of Central Appalachia.
Link to theological thoughts
Link to Ingraffea’s presentation
Link to Gasland
Links to Breaking News
Photos
The Gas Industry's Side
Other resources
