Dryden, N.Y., has banned fracking — shooting high-pressure toxic chemicals and water underground to release natural gas. The anti-fracking ordinance was immediately challenged by an irate gas-drilling corporation, which is taking the town of 13,000 to the State Supreme Court.
“The threat to our water supply is unconscionable,” declared Dryden resident Jack Edmonds at the meeting that approved the ordinance. “Do we poison our water for the riches of a few?”
Across the country other towns frustrated by the failure of federal and state authorities to regulate fracking are acting to protect property rights, public health, and local economies.
At least a dozen New York municipalities have banned fracking. In Peters Township, Pa., a judge approved an anti-drilling referendum. Massillon, Ohio, officials recently rejected a major gas-drilling lease.
South Lake, Texas, put a moratorium on fracking to consider new ordinances protecting property owners. Dish, Texas, paid to do their own air pollution study after doubting industry results. They were right, finding the air seriously polluted by fracking emissions.