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Temporary boons to a local economy are what gas companies always cite when they’re trying to placate people. Long-term studies indicate boom-and-bust cycles that leave communities worse off, though. And yes, those trucks are definitely damaging roads, and in Pennsylvania, it’s not the companies, but the taxpayers, who will be footing the bill for repair. The final question in the article is valid, though: how do you heat your homes without drilling for gas? Answer: if you’re in Germany, it’s with solar (http://www.grist.org/list/2011-03-22-germanys-solar-panels-produce-more-power-than-japans-entire-fuku). Or wind. If we’re Americans, we’re not going to shy away from a challenge.
There are always some short-term economic benefits for some people. We have known that all along. It is the longterm picture that looks grim.
One more follow up on the “good neighbor” policy that gas companies say they employ in communities they drill in. It’s a cynical phrase to use when they can’t be trusted with a modicum on respect and responsibility, and people have to protect themselves from a corporation every step of the way. In this story, a town official decided to cut down trees in order to block a road that was being used by Range Resources, despite the permit allowing them to drive on the road having been pulled: http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2011/12/lycoming_county_township_offic.html
Interesting replies, both — thanks! Recent earthquakes in Ohio (which shut down a bunch of fracking wells) seem to me to be the source of the most promising hope for a full moratorium. Not that I’m wishing for earthquakes, exactly.