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| Engaged Citizens |
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“Never doubt that a small
group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world;
indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”
Margaret Mead
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Most citizens don't become active
in gas drilling issues until they are personally affected. Maybe
it's a busy schedule on their part, or just apathy. Maybe they
haven't seen enough drilling activity firsthand to know they should
be concerned and their voices will make a difference.
Some citizens become active
because their drinking water has been adversely affected. Others
have signed gas leases and have come away feeling deceived. Some have had
their water wells polluted by gas drilling activities on or near their
property.
Sportsmen get involved when there is a fish kill
from hydraulic fracturing. Farmers who suddenly lose cattle take
notice quickly. And of course everyone has health and
safety concerns for their family, whether it's their children
and grandchildren, or someone else's.
People often ask what they can do to protect their rights and their
environment. It comes down to the basic answer of good citizenship.
- Work within the legal and
political system to seek change.
- Attend township, county and
key state level meetings to stay engaged.
- Make your voice heard by
talking with friends, neighbors and legislators.
- Email your legislators with
your important views on key issues.
- Send a Letter to the Editor of
your local newspaper.
- Vote for the politicians who
most closely reflect your views.
- Vote-out politicians who don't
support your views.
- Monitor local drilling
activities to ensure responsibility; report all violations.
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Most of those who become engaged
citizens have nothing to gain from their activism other than the
personal satisfaction of being involved. It requires large
chunks of time, energy and resources to stay engaged on an issue as
huge as hydraulic fracturing on Marcellus Shale.
Working within the
system, these individuals hope to pass responsible frac fluid legislation,
as well as other laws that promote responsibility and accountability
by the gas
industry. And by being engaged citizens,
help promote
local ordinances and laws that will protect theirs and other citizen's rights
to things like clean air and clean water.
The Oil & Gas industry is quick to let you know about their rights,
just remember that your family's rights are equally, if not more important.
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Citizens can
request records from
the Pennsylvania DEP
Below is
information from the DEP website:
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File
Record Review Procedure
DEP Southwest Regional Office Records Available for Public Review
Include:
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Inspections of Air Quality, Waste Management, Water Management,
Underground Storage Tanks, Environmental Cleanup, and Oil and
Gas, Radiation Protection, Water Supply and Soils and Waterways;
- Permits
and permit applications for the programs listed above;
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Correspondence and reports between a facility/applicant and/for
the programs listed above;
- Compliance
documents;
- Reports of
monitored data;
- Other
related documents associated with the programs above.
Form to request a file review
(PDF document)
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LINKS
Gas
drilling legislation
Donations and lobbying in Harrisburg by the gas industry
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