Under the Dome:
Gov. Bev Perdue's move Wednesday toward fracking is putting the Democratic candidates vying to replace her on the spot.
Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton's campaign issued a statement Thursday trying to take a middle-of-the road approach. Dalton supports fracking but suggests it needs more study before moving forward to know if it can be done safely.
"There may be great benefits to and lots of jobs created from fracking, but it is unwise to rush into a decision until all the facts are reviewed," spokesman Pearse Edwards said. "For example, we need to thoroughly assess the risks that fracking may cause to our drinking water, ensure that proper regulations are in place, and determine whether exploration is economically viable. We must also hear from the people of North Carolina. The Lieutenant Governor is hopeful that working together we can find the safest way tap our state’s natural gas reserves and bring much needed jobs to the state."
Bob Etheridge's campaign initially declined to comment but issued a statement Thursday taking a similar approach supporting fracking if the water supply is protected. "We should
Fighting energy availability, which at base is what Democrats have been doing, really has no place in intelligent discussion, much less public policy.
This anti fracking nonsense was a stupid move during a depression. Now it has been made doubly stupid due to the rise in fuel prices caused by the Federal Reserve.
Enjoy watching the Dems dance.
out
And no word from the local Fracking Freaks Blogging Brigade over at Cone's place.
ReplyDeleteImagine that!
I have been watching for that. Nothing. Good to see your site become active again...
ReplyDeleteCould you please directly explain how fracking for natural gas will decrease the price of fuel? Don't bandy about, just show me the money?
ReplyDeleteIt would not decrease the price of fuel over the short run but it would over the long run as the fossil fuel load being carried by NG increases.
ReplyDeleteThe point of the post, however, is to note that the anti fracking strategy which relied on short term optics with not so much as a nod to the long term gains has soured and become bad election year optics.
Furthermore, the fact that Bev Perdue is not running has not only allowed her to turn her back on the politically damaging anti-fracking issue, but has more importantly allowed fellow Democrats who will be running or are running to follow suit.
Democrats should be thanking her right now.
Thanks for your honesty. I think it is important to have an honest debate on this issue. I honestly do not trust outside drilling companies to protect the water quality or quality of life interests for residents in areas of our state they may begin this activity. My primary concern is that both of these are safeguarded.
ReplyDeleteDemocrats tucking tail and running for safety in an election year is nothing new. In fact, it's to be expected.
But someone has to continue to advocate for safeguards against these outsiders coming in to our state with its blessed natural resources that I as a native of the state with six generations of ancestors born, lived and died here care about very much.