Health & Fitness
Fracking in Our Backyard?
The state of Ohio appears to be welcoming fracking with open arms. But North Canton has the option of slamming the door on this controversial drilling method.
I’m a little embarrassed to admit this, but fracking was very much off my local radar until just recently.
If not for the rally held at Price Park protesting it, I would still think of it as more of a national or global concern, and not one directly connected to North Canton or even Ohio. Even though I wasn’t paying attention, others were.
Earlier this month, Ohio lawmakers passed a bill allowing oil and gas drilling for the first time, including by fracking, in Ohio’s state parks. There are those who believe that this controversial drilling procedure, one that requires the use of chemicals, is not only safe but necessary because of our reliance on hydrocarbon fuels and will mean needed revenue for our state.
Find out what's happening in North Cantonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
On the other hand, there are many with environmental concerns, including that fracking has the potential of damaging groundwater. Two states, Maryland and New York, and many local communities, such as Pittsburgh, have placed bans on the use of fracking. Other states and communities have issued restrictions. It certainly doesn’t appear that Ohio has any intentions of banning or even restricting fracking. However, the City of North Canton can do this.
Would you support a ban on fracking in North Canton? Do you feel that fracking has the potential to harm the environmental? Or do you think that the hydrocarbon fuels and revenue should be given priority?