Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Shocking News.........

The following article about fracking and how the truth is distorted is not new news, nor is it shocking.  People calling themselves "environmentalists" have a long and shameful history of "distorting the facts" when criticizing or protesting everything from climate change, to mining activity, to farming, to wildlife management, and now the process of hydraulic fracturing of underground rock formations to enhance the production of oil and gas.  More often than not they resort to emotional fear tactics and leave science by the wayside.

The late, great author Michael Crichton even wrote an excellent book on the subject, titled "State Of Fear".  For more about that book go here:

Jul 17, 2008
Jul 17, 2008
Michael Crichton does not believe it is. He makes some very astute comments. Also, I highly recommend Crichton's book, "State of Fear". There is much more about Michael Crichton on this blog, do a search on his name.
 
Nov 06, 2008
Nov 06, 2008
Michael Crichton Gone. What a shame, what timing. His writing, his insight, his intellect remain. Do a search on this blog and read more. In tribute, a humble hats off. Peter More on Michael Crichton: Predicted Demise of MSM ...
 
May 02, 2007
May 02, 2007
Michael Crichton: Our Environmental Future. I wish I could post this entire speech, but I can only quote parts of it and encourage you to read it all here: http://www.crichton-official.com/speeches/npc-speech.html. In the speech ...
 
Aug 24, 2007
Aug 24, 2007
Michael Crichton Speech: Environmentalism As Religion. I can't post the entire speech here without his permission, but this by Michael Crichton is worth reading and saving and contemplating. He sees environmentalism as ...
 

Experts: Some fracking critics use bad science
PITTSBURGH (AP) — In the debate over natural gas drilling, the companies are often the ones accused of twisting the facts. But scientists say opponents sometimes mislead the public, too.
Critics of fracking often raise alarms about groundwater pollution, air pollution, and cancer risks, and there are still many uncertainties. But some of the claims have little — or nothing— to back them.
For example, reports that breast cancer rates rose in a region with heavy gas drilling are false, researchers told The Associated Press.

Fears that natural radioactivity in drilling waste could contaminate drinking water aren't being confirmed by monitoring, either.

And concerns about air pollution from the industry often don't acknowledge that natural gas is a far cleaner burning fuel than coal.

"The debate is becoming very emotional. And basically not using science" on either side, said Avner Vengosh, a Duke University professor studying groundwater contamination who has been praised and criticized by both sides.

Shale gas drilling has attracted national attention because advances in technology have unlocked billions of dollars of gas reserves, leading to a boom in production, jobs, and profits, as well as concerns about pollution and public health. Shale is a gas-rich rock formation thousands of feet underground, and the gas is freed through a process called hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, in which large volumes of water, plus sand and chemicals, are injected to break the rock apart.

Continued:  http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jCUQcMjaT-TJqizs7WRB1zIw8rzA?docId=cef00570f618477d8e9fcb53579af91c&goback=%2Egde_156898_member_138056030

FILE - In this file photo from Nov. 3, 2010, documentary filmmaker Josh Fox speaks at a rally of protesters against Marcellus Shale drilling and hydraulic fracturing in Pittsburgh. Researchers say the claim that fracking has been linked to increased cancer rates in Texas is simply wrong. Fox, an Oscar-nominated filmmaker who uses the claim in a new film, declined to acknowledge the error when told of researchers who say he's doing a disservice to people with cancer by misrepresenting health data. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File)

(A "disservice" to people is too kind.  He's lying to the public for his own personal gain.  In my mind that is despicable.  Peter)