Nova Scotia Energy Minister Andrew Younger in announcing "There will be no fracking in Nova Scotia." stated that "To my mind the legislation is the essence of public accountability and transparency.” Legislation responding to the the Wheeler Commission Report that "concluded the province wasn’t able to make fully informed decisions for or against the development of unconventional gas and oil resources by hydraulic fracturing without further research. " (1)
Federal Finance Minister Joe Oliver reacted negatively to Nova Scotian action: "“Fracking has been going on in British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan for over 50 years,” “So the record is long, it’s clear, it’s unambiguous and it’s unblemished.” (2)
Oliver's reaction ignores the Wheeler admonition for caution and these conclusions of a study funded by his government (3), "Overall, the Panel found that well-targeted science is required to ensure a better understanding of the environmental impacts of shale gas development.Currently, data about environmental impacts are neither sufficient nor conclusive." "Environmental Impacts of Shale Gas Extraction in Canada." (4)
Oliver's references are to the type of hydralic fracturing of 50 years ago, not to that of to-day of which Columbia University Earth Institute writes "The effects are so far known mainly through a smattering of incomplete research and sometimes uncertain anecdotes. " “It’s important to get the data, so everyone can consider this objectively,”.(5) (6)
The Canadian Government is in gross error attacking the Nova Scotian Government for acting to ensure "public accountability and transparency”.
(1) Nova Scotia to ban fracking
http://thechronicleherald.ca/business/1233818-nova-scotia-to-ban-fracking
(2) Finance Minister Joe Oliver takes aim at Nova Scotia fracking ban
http://thechronicleherald.ca/novascotia/1234275-finance-minister-joe-oli...
(3) Environmental Impacts of Shale Gas Extraction in Canada
http://www.scienceadvice.ca/en/assessments/completed/shale-gas.aspx
(4) The Council of Canadian Academies
http://www.scienceadvice.ca/en/about/funding.aspx
(5) Photo Essay: Studying Fracking’s Effects, Up Close and Personal, Earth Institute, Columbia University
http://blogs.ei.columbia.edu/2014/09/02/photo-essay-studying-frackings-e...
(6) Articles obtained through a Google Alert :
Wheeler report recommends continued fracking moratorium (Canada) Shale Supply Chain
Are Fracking Chemicals Getting Too Close To Drinking Water Aquifers? Fracking News
Photo Essay: Studying Fracking's Effects, Up Close and Personal State of the Planet - Columbia University
Fracking's Wastewater, Poorly Understood, Is Analyzed for First Time InsideClimate News
Study To Examine Horizontal Fracking Impact on Water Resources Daily Ardmoreite
New study reviews needs for research on health effects of fracking Environmental News Bits
Report: Fracking Doesn't Pose Danger to California Groundwater planetizen.com
Study to look at fracking's impact on water supply Tulsa World
Groundbreaking Study: Water Demand Impacts Fracking Worldwide
NMSU studies treatment, uses for wastewater from oil and gas, fracking ScienceBlog.com (blog)
Rice study suggests new solutions needed to recycle fracking water einnews.com
Oil-gas exploration linked to small quakes, Alberta scientists say CBC.ca
Pennsylvania Finally Reveals Fracking Has Contaminated Drinking Water Hundreds Of Times democraticunderground.com
New Solutions Needed to Recycle Fracking Water, Experts Say Fracking News
Huge Reversal on Fracking In Pennsylvania Fracking News
Comments
Be the first to comment