When Newspapers Mislead Readers with Sort-Of True Titles on Fracking Articles....

If you are interested in the topic of fracking, and you probably are if you are reading this, make sure you read articles all the way through. Do not judge the information by the title, and make sure, also, to go back to the original source whenever possible. I try to always provide my original sources here to make it easy for you to confirm my information, but many sites do not offer that service so some research might be required on your part - if you want to know the truth about fracking.

Now, for the inspiration for this post:

I just finished checking out a slightly older Morrow County Sentinel article with the slightly misleading title: Fracking in Morrow County not likely. (I hate it when newspapers don't capitalize titles.)

I read the article, and while the article fits the title by describing the fact that Morrow County will probably not see an influx of cash from drillers, it is misleading (accidentally so I am sure)  in that many people do not read the content - they just peruse the headlines - giving the impression that residents do not have to fear fracking brine contamination.

The article leaves out the fact that the locals in this agricultural community do face exposure through fracking brine dumping. That's right, the drillers can't get natural gas here so they are already using the county as a sort of toxic septic system and have been for some time.

Like I said, I'm just using this particular article as an example to prove my point. I want to be perfectly clear in that I feel the article mentioned is accurate about Morrow County nor seeing much money from this boom, I just think the title will give mildly interested readers who skim titles and go on a false sense of security, and I feel this is pretty common in the news industry, especially with fracking as the topic.

What Do You Have in Common with Robert DeNiro, Hugh Jackman, Paul McCartney, and Julianne Moore

If you're are against fracking, you share an interest in the environmentally unsafe practice of fracking according to the new website, Artists Against Fracking. (By the way, that is just a short list of artists who are against this dangerous practice.)

While the Artists Against Fracking website is currently addressing New York's issues, it is still kind of interesting to check out the names of the artists who have become aware of this issue and who have chosen to stand on the side of the environment and the people whose lives are affected by the negative impacts of fracking.

David Letterman on Fracking

I can't say I've ever thought much one way or the other about David Letterman, but after his recent stance against fracking I might pay a bit more attention. Letterman recently spoke out against fracking. To read a summary of his anti-fracking speech or to watch the video, click here.

My short version summary of what Letterman had to say about fracking:

• Shame on the gas and oil companies for ruining the country.
• We're screwed.

Study Uses Tracing Fluid in Fracking Brine to Identify Threat

A new Department of Energy study on fracking brine, is being conducted in Pennsylvania to determine if fracking brine migrates and affects drinking water.

The gas drilling company participating let researchers add tracing fluid to their hydraulic fracturing fluids before injecting the fluids 8,100 feet into the ground.

The company hopes to prove with this one (out of thousands upon thousands) well that fracking brine does not migrate.

While it is a great start to research one meager well and the voluntary participation of the gas company is noteworthy, one case study cannot be presented as scientific proof; as it is, in fact, only one well while multiple sets of circumstances can affect the results of a study like this.

While the results are not in yet on this one case study, drawing conclusions from a single test would be like the FDA approving a drug after testing a new medication on a single patient.

When the results come in, I'll be sure to share them.

Fracking Brine Spill in Trumbull County

A five mile stretch of road in Trumbull County is coated with 100 to 150 gallons of fluid that dried into a reddish brown residue, which the EPA thinks is/was fracking brine.

A lot of the grass in the area around the (maybe) brine spill is dead, but hey, the EPA says it's not a threat.

Question (for anyone with an opinion who wants to answer): How is it possible that the agency assigned with the responsibility of protecting Ohio's citizens from environmental threats does not know what this is after having several days to find out?

Here is an embedded video of the news story about this dangerous fraccident.

Frack Facts on Facebook

I know I have mentioned this before, but if you are on Facebook, make sure to visit the Frack Facts Facebook page, and click "Like" to get updates.

I share a lot there that I don't share here, simply because of the ease of sharing on that site. I wish I knew how to make it that easy to share information here.

Also, there are  alot of great anti-fracking groups sharing information on Facebook, and Frack Facts links to a lot of them.

Call to Action (Easy) to Fight Against Dangers From Fracking Toxins

A petition is circulating to have gas and oil waste reclassified as hazardous waste.

You can read the petition and add your signature here.

If you are concerned about fracking brine, your health and your family's health, and safe drinking water, please take the time to read the petition, and if you agree, add your signature - but don't put it off too long - this petition is to be submitted at the end of July.