Why We Should Be Optimistic
Sackville Tribune-Post
18 July 2013
In December of 2011 the CBC conducted a survey in which viewers were asked how they felt about the establishment of unconditional shale gas drilling in the province. The response from 1845 participants to two of the twelve questions asked is pertinent to the present debate.
When asked to rate their support for fracking in New Brunswick:
- 69% were not at all supportive
- 14% were very supportive
- 9% were not very supportive
- 8% were somewhat supportive
When asked whether shale gas exploration should continue:
- 74% said no
- 22% said yes
- 4% were undecided*
In June of 2012 an MQO research poll reported that the majority of New Brunswickers oppose fracking (56% oppose, 28% support and 16% are undecided).** There seem to be three opinions about the industry, those in favour, those firmly opposed and those who are opposed, but who are resigned to the likelihood that government decisions are unalterable.
Over the last two years much has been done to support the anti-fracking movement in the province fostering a sense of optimism. In July 2013, Dr. Eilish Cleary the Chief Medical Officer of N.B. received The Canadian Environmental Health Report Award for her report entitled Recommendations Concerning Shale Gas Development in N.B. Dr. Cleary stressed in her report that the government has not yet commissioned a study that would assess the impact of shale gas exploration on the province and its' residents. The decision not to seek such essential information prompted 20,000 New Brunswickers to sign a petition calling for a ban or a moratorium on fracking.
Twenty-nine province-wide organizations are likewise calling for a moratorium, at the very least, while the government conducts a thorough investigation to see how safe this practice really is. The members of these organizations are, doctors, nurses, farmers, unionists, environmentalists, scientists, conservationists, church members and others concerned about what needs to be done by governments and citizens alike to protect our communities.
At the municipal level research has been done to further the argument that unconventional shale gas extraction may not be safe under any circumstances , because it is fraught with too many serious and unsolvable problems. A number of municipalities (Moncton, Sackville, Memramcook, Minto, Stanley, Bathurst, Sussex Corner and Quispamsis) have confirmed a ban within their town or city boundaries. Other communities are setting up similar guidelines. Meetings have been held to inform the public of the dangers of fracking and local politicians have been invited to address the public on record.
In December of 2012 one of the provincial anti-fracking groups suggested a campaign that would see as many residents as possible writing to seek help from the Ombudsman. In June The Moncton Times and Transcript reported that the Office of the Ombudsman was "inundated" with shale gas complaints after a template letter was circulated online which simplified the task of letter writing for many busy New Brunswickers. All of which, however, has been ignored and presumably dismissed as a cause for concern in the N.B. Legislature.
During the first of June the sentiment that SWN Resources was not welcome in Kent County turned into a full-blown conflict with the company. Seismic testing trucks met members of the public who were determined to block their access. Civil disobedience is a form of protest within a democracy that can effectively challenge a government's credibility on different issues, in this case that which affects the health and well being of a community. Had there been public consultation between the government and the people of N.B. such activism might not have been necessary.
The province of Quebec having refused to consider a moratorium, was confronted with a protest movement that threatened to target industry property. They ultimately took the protesters concerns more seriously and decided to avoid any further direct action by initiating a moratorium.
One final thought, SWN has a less than stellar record in adhering to the regulations set by governments of the states and provinces in which they drill. Between Feb. 2012 and Jan. 2013, in N.B. alone, there have been 16 lawsuits filed, 2 fines, 3 well violations, 1 leaking well, 1 pipeline blow-out and various complaints and infractions.*** We are told repeatedly that the industry has yet to begin mining in earnest in the province.
There is more to be done to persuade the provincial government to do the right thing and initiate a moratorium. Anyone who would like to help is encouraged to call or email one of the provincial anti-fracking groups in your locality.
Donna Mclellan for the
Tantramar Alliance Against Hydrofracking
*CBC New Brunswick. 2011-2012. Fractured Future Survey
**McCormick, Chris. 2013. Fracking in New Brunswick:
What We Should Know (2).
No comments:
Post a Comment