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Dems Call for Halt to “Fracking;” DEQ Says Drilling is Safe

Courtesy
/
Suncor Energy

There’s a debate at the state Capitol about a natural gas drilling process known as “fracking.” Drills use a mixture of chemicals and water to extract gas from hard-to-reach pockets underground. The practice has been around for decades. Problems have been reported in other parts of the country – although never in Michigan.

But Democratic state Representative Lisa Brown says the fact that wells are now going deeper and using directional drilling raises questions.

“For most of us, turning on the water tap is like turning on the light switch," she says. "Without a second thought, we expect them to work correctly. And that’s how it should be. Parents shouldn’t have to second-guess the quality of their water. Farmers shouldn’t have to second-guess the quality of their water. Fishermen shouldn’t have to second-guess the quality of their water.”

               Brown and other Democrats are calling for a two-year moratorium on fracking so the state can do a study.                State environmental regulators say Michigan updated its rules on fracking just last year.

Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987. His journalism background includes stints with UPI, The Elizabeth (NJ) Daily Journal, The (Pontiac, MI) Oakland Press, and WJR. He is also a lifelong public radio listener.
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