Farmers in many states recently have had to consider the effects that hydro-fracking, a new form of natural gas extraction, will have on their land, lives, and businesses. Contention around the technique stems from concerns of environmental contamination, amongst other dangers. It is an issue that affects – for good or for worse – all Americans, but we as farmers should especially pay close attention, since the way the land is treated has direct consequences on our livelihoods.
Food and Water Watch, a NYFC ally organization, recently published a new report entitled “US Energy Insecurity: Why Fracking for Oil and Natural Gas is a False Solution.” The report examines some of the statements behind claims about fracking and the long-term feasibility of this so-called “energy revolution.”
Concerned about fracking in your region? Interested in learning more? Read the full report here, and please leave us a comment with your thoughts!
I don’t see the connection between this report and farming. Specifically, the report’s main theme is that the current estimates of “100 years of Natural Gas” are overstated. How does this relate to our ability to grow food, fuel, and fiber?
Hi Elizabeth-
Thanks for the comment!
A lot of farmers have gotten in touch with us with concerns about fracking and other potential concerns for the long-term health of our land, which is why we wanted to mention this report for more information.
Hey Wes,
This is my first time on the NYFC site, and I’m very excited to have found it! I just saved the pdf you linked to above for further reading later. Issues such as the Tar Sands, Keystone, and fracking have only been recently made known to me and the dangers they hold for farmers, inlcuding myself. I live in East Texas, and you may have heard about the individuals who were violently removed from a site where they were protesting the construction of the pipeline here in east Texas. It’s enough to drive anyone up the wall.
Thanks for sharing the article. I’ll be sure to share it on my blog as well!