A reader adds to this post:
Living in Colorado, we are impacted by fracking – not only on the Western Slope, but also in the counties north of Metro Denver. Missing from this discussion is the significance of water. Water is scarce in the West, and Colorado is situated in the High Plains Desert. Typical precipitation averages 15″ annually, and the West continues in a serious drought pattern. There are already conflicts between agricultural needs, thirsty Front Range cities, stream flows necessary for fish and animals – plus water required by downstream states.
Fracking uses significant amounts of water, and it can’t be reused. The deep pockets of energy companies are outbidding farmers for extra water, drying up agricultural lands and putting more pressure on farm families to sell out. Increases in air pollution from well gas fumes escaping, and drilling that encroaches on housing developments also complicate the situation.
The Dish 