Fracking, formally known as Advanced Well Stimulation, is an unconventional drilling technique that involves the use of horizontal drilling to recover previously inaccessible stores of oil and gas. The process of hydraulic fracturing involves drilling into the rock, deep beneath the Earth’s surface, and pumping a mixture of water, sand, and chemicals at high pressure into the rock to fracture it, subsequently allowing the natural gas inside to be released. However, hydraulic fracturing isn’t the only type of fracking that can occur. Acidic fracturing and matrix acidizing use similar toxic materials to dissolve rock formations to release gas and oil.
We believe that all of the practices are hazardous and support a ban on all three. Given that fracking is an unconventional technique, it is extremely high-risk. Principally, it endangers human health, as fracking operations can release volatile compounds and toxins into the air, which can cause illness. In fact, many of the chemicals utilized in fracking fluids are listed as hazardous pollutants under the Clean Air Act, and possible human carcinogens under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
In addition to human health, fracking can result in severe environmental consequences, such as the deterioration of air quality, increased risk of seismic activity, and the contamination of surface-water and groundwater.
Ultimately, ReThink Energy Florida supports a ban on fracking and the subsequent extraction of natural gas. Our organization strives to promote the use of renewable energy as a safe, clean energy alternative. In an effort to do so, our organization emphasizes community organizing through the arrangement of Capitol Days, rallies, phone banks, and various other events on a regular basis. These events aim to generate support for our cause and encourage the growth of our constituent base.
In addition to being active community members, we are also a founding member of the Floridians Against Fracking Coalition. This coalition serves as a platform for groups of citizens and organizations to collectively work towards a ban on fracking at the grassroots level. For more information on our work with Floridians Against Fracking Coalition, please visit their website.
If you want to become involved with ReThink Energy Florida, consider volunteering with us! We highly encourage people of all ages to join our campaigns! If you are interested, you can sign up on our Volunteer page. Help us to achieve a sustainable future through your commitment to support a ban on fracking!