State Sets Fracking Hearing in WNC for September 12

After requests from individuals, organizations and businesses in Western North Carolina, the Mining and Energy Commission has voted unanimously to hold a public hearing on hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) rules in this part of the state.

Public hearings on rules that will regulate fracking were already scheduled in three locations across the state: Raleigh, Sanford, and Reidsville — all more than a four-hour drive from the mountains, where the state will spend $11,725 exploring for natural gas.

WNC HEARING DETAILS:
Date: Sept. 12
Time: 5-9 p.m.
Location: Western Carolina University’s Bardo Fine & Performing Arts Center, 199 Centennial Drive, Cullowhee

The concern about fracking in the mountains was galvanized by the passage this summer of Senate Bill 786, which lifted the moratorium on issuing state permits for hydraulic fracturing for gas, possibly as soon as next spring.

Fracking is a process using high-pressure injection of water, sand and chemicals to release natural gas trapped in underground shale formations.

WNCA and our environmental partners are concerned about risks of fracking, including the potential contamination of ground water, risks to air quality, the potential migration of gases and hydraulic fracturing chemicals to the surface, the potential mishandling of waste, and the health effects of these

The MEC is expected to finalize the oil and gas rules before the end of 2014, with possible issuance of permits by spring of 2015.

Look for more information from us as the hearing date approaches.