On fracking, consider the sources

I was alarmed when I saw Katie Brown’s letter defending fracking (“The facts on fracking show it’s safe,” Aug. 22 Pick of the day). Facts from independent sources show it has harmed many people.

Not surprisingly, Energy in Depth is an oil industry-funded group. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell worked for Mobil Oil in the past. A revolving door policy in Washington allows industry employees to enter regulatory agencies to promote corporate interests. When a term is ended, they are awarded lucrative corporate positions or other compensation.

The public should also be aware that many oil industry settlements to families injured by fracking come with a gag order so that they cannot describe their damages.

Sadly, quite a few government officials are not looking out for the public’s best interest, and instead promote oil industry agendas for personal benefit: campaign contributions, stock or lucrative employment in the future.

I’m not the first to say that we have the best government money can buy. As to the “independent” researchers, the public should be aware that the Koch brothers (oil magnates) gave grants to many universities (Stanford and MIT among them), and they are not without strings. Fellow citizens, please consider the source.

S.D. ROBERTSON

FLOYD

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