Hydrofracking.

According to the Times, the New York State government is coming closer to deciding whether to allow gas companies to extract natural gas via hydrofracking in various parts of the state. "Hydrofracking"-- an eery sounding name in it of itself-- is a potentially dangerous and environmentally-threatening way of sequestering gas from shale buried deep below the ground. Gas companies are heavily lobbying the government for permission to swarm little upstate villages and drill into these sources where apparently the gas lies untapped. The benefit? We get natural gas! (Some) people get jobs! The downsides? A majority of the New York water supply is poisoned with carcinogens, heavy metals and radioactive materials and the green hills of the countryside are broken up and destroyed.

In efforts to dissuade New York residents worried about hydrofracking risks, the most recent article in the paper cites a representative of the Independent Oil and Gas Association of New York, Jim Smith (cool name, dude), who claims "'Listen, it's not as bad as you're hearing.' There are risks involved, but any fuel source has a risk attached to it." Bingo Mr. Smith! You got it! There are big risks involved with "fuel source" extraction. Let's take a look at the past couple of years, shall we? To name just two huge "fuel source" disasters caused by pure carelessness, let's not forget the Gulf Coast oil spill and Fukushima. So is hydrofracking worth all the trouble? I wouldn't think so; especially since history tells us we can't trust energy companies to do their job responsibly and safely.

My grandparents spend most of the year in the little village of Sharon Springs, about 3.5 hours away from New York City. My grandfather has been fighting with the rest of the town in the anti-hydrofracking movement since the moment the subject was brought up for debate. Last summer he told me that already, the next town over had given themselves over to hydrofracking. Once a hot spot-- literally, the town was known for bringing some (apparently) very sore, but very famous people up to its hot springs back in the day-- Sharon Springs hit a serious lull; but in recent years, the village has completely turned around and revamped its tourist industry. Not too far from the Glimmerglass Opera House, hundreds of people from all over the country come up north to spend relaxing weekend getaways in Sharon Springs, staying at local favorites like The American Hotel, sipping coffee from The Black Cat café, and buying goat's milk soaps and cheese made at The Fabulous Beekman Boys' farm. Hydrofracking not only poses a threat to the water supply, but in ripping up the ground and ruining the area's natural beauty, it risks destroying the positive economic growth this village has seen.

Environmental groups simply don't have nearly the amount of funds at their disposal as these gas companies and unfortunately haven't been able to pour the same large quantity of money into creating lobbying groups of their own. It's now up to Governor Cuomo to determine soon whether hydrofracking should be allowed. This is a classic case where the government has to decide between money and the welfare of millions of people.

I just hope that he hasn't been too influenced by the "fuel" fever that has infected other public officials in our government and that he makes the right decision for his citizens.

Please read the latest from The New York Times and more on hydrofracking.
Click here to "like" Sharon Springs' "anti-hydrofracking" Facebook page.

Update 12/1: Look at the comment I've posted below to read some more.

And a month later...

Admittedly I've truly been slacking off on the blog-front. Apologies to all those with such a keen interest in my activities down here in Buenos Aires. It's pretty hard to believe the semester is wrapping up in less than a month. I'm trying to not think about it.

Well, this past month (god, I really am pathetic at keeping up with el blog!) has been great. I've left the confines of the Argentine borders twice-- once to Rio (words seriously can't describe) and then to the small colonial town of Uruguay called... YEP you got... Colonia (like Colonial Williamsburg but sans reenactments and bonneted townspeople).

Hmmm what else? A ritzy polo match, a McDonald's-play-pen-but-for-hipsters-like art exhibit, an abortion-rights demonstration, a gorgeous sunset, a rain storm that broke the intolerable heat, a visit to an ex-torture camp, fresh-squeezed orange juice from underground subway vendors, a rose garden, a music performance at the Teatro Colón, and some skype conversations with my new dog, Scarlett. 

More to follow.