How does deep earth fracturing, commonly called "fracking," protect the environment?

I recently received a mailing from a local association that provides information to landowners regarding oil and gas leasing developments in our area -- regarding fracking. This association's information states they "intend to protect our environment, our water resources and to be good stewards of underground energy deposits and to benefit our communities financially."

How can fracking, a process that forces into the ground millions of gallons of diesel and water mixed with toxic chemicals, including known human carcinogens, be called "protecting our environment?" How can a practice that has been the documented cause of disastrous effects on the environment, water resources, humans and animals ever be considered "protecting our environment."

According to a May 11, 2011, (Wooster) Daily Record article, the president of this association stated that the overall goal of the association is to give people a fair shake when negotiating oil and gas leases. What happened to "protecting" our environment and water resources?

Fellow citizens, we cannot afford to remain silent about this issue, allowing others to make decisions that will permanently affect our environment and health. We must take action now, not only for ourselves but for future generations that depend on us to make the right decisions for them.

For a real-life look at how fracking drastically changes a community, visit:

For more information about fracking, visit and

Jackie Deems