Source: http://www.fresnobee.com, December 23, 2013
A Dec. 8 letter asks: “Exactly how many Californians will get out of the unemployment line due to fracking?”
According to a study by the Craig School of Business at Fresno State, developing the Monterey shale could create up to 195,000 direct jobs and generate more than $22 billion in personal income in the unemployment-ravaged San Joaquin Valley. Further, a study by USC found that development of the Monterey shale could potentially create one million jobs by 2015 and 2.8 million by 2020.
Contrary to the author’s claims, hydraulic fracturing does not pose a credible threat for earthquakes. A recent study from Durham University found “it is extremely unlikely that any of us will ever be able to feel an earthquake caused by fracking.” A study from the National Research Council affirmed a low risk of fracking inducing a felt seismic event.
As for water contamination, U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz has said, “I still have not seen any evidence of fracking per se contaminating groundwater.” Numerous Obama administration officials and state regulators agree.
The science clearly tells us that fracking is safe, and developing California’s vast resources will create jobs and grow our economy. That’s something we should welcome.
Dave Quast
California Director of Energy in Depth
Los Angeles