By Pat Bradley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-1001732.mp3
Montpelier, VT – Vermont lawmakers are assessing the ramifications of hydraulic fracturing, the controversial method of extracting natural gas, as they consider House Bill 464. It would prohibit fracking in the state for at least three years. No fracking is being considering currently in Vermont, and the state has not been surveyed to determine where shale formations could support the process. It's likely there are only a few places where it would be viable. Vermont State Geologist Laurence Becker says the best site is probably a shale formation near and under the northern Lake Champlain basin region.
Vermont Public Interest Research Group Executive Director Paul Burns believes it makes sense for the state to take a cautious approach regarding potential extraction.
The Vermont Natural Resources Council is opposed to hydraulic fracturing and wants to see it banned. While Vermont has a law that makes the state's groundwater a public trust, VNRC Spokesman Jake Brown says fracking has too many uncertainties to assure protection of resources under that statute.
Thursday morning, the House Committee on Fish Wildlife and Water Resources sent to the floor an amended bill calling for a moratorium on fracking for 3 years. Cornell Cooperative Extension Chenango County NY Executive Director Ken Smith, who provided testimony to the Vermont Committee, says a moratorium is a good idea.
Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin has expressed his opposition to fracking and said he would support a ban or moratorium on the practice.