Toxic chemicals on tap
New technology and government incentives are spurring a move to
expand a dangerous form of gas drilling called "hydraulic fracturing"
in Ohio, Pennsylvania and other states. Hydraulic fracturing has been
linked to contamination of residential drinking water wells and the
potential for explosive gas leaks.
The process uses more than 260 types of chemicals, many of them
toxic, such as benzene, which remain in the ground long after the gas
companies have moved on. Just two years ago in Bainbridge, an
improperly drilled well contaminated local groundwater, and after
building to high pressures, gas migrated through underground faults and
blew up one house.
Environment America Research & Policy
Center, a project of our national federation, released "Toxic Chemicals
on Tap," a thorough examination of the growing threat to waterways. The
report recommends solutions, including an end to the drilling exemption
from the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Here comes the sun
Ohio schools are one step closer to energy independence after a vote by the Ohio House of Representatives on Dec. 17. The "solar schools" bill (HB 113), which passed with a bipartisan vote of 91 to 5, directs about 70 of the state's largest school districts to install renewable energy systems, including solar, wind and geothermal.
Rep. Louis Blessing, a joint sponsor of the legislation, called it a "win, win, win for Ohio schools, Ohio businesses and Ohio residential electric customers. All three will see savings."
The bill creates a Renewable Energy Schools Pilot Program for the biggest Ohio school districts. Districts with 5,000 to 10,000 students are asked to install 250 kilowatts of renewable energy, while districts with over 10,000 students are asked to install 500 kilowatts. Environment Ohio will work in 2010 to make sure the state Senate passes this important legislation.
