Apr 9, 2016 2 min read

I am writing to you in regards to an article that was recently published on the Observer-Reporter’s website about public health officials seeking more protections from fracking for residents.

The citizens of Western Pennsylvania need and deserve more protections from the fracking industries that have invaded our commonwealth. It is obvious that environmental conditions are getting progressively worse here, especially in one of our most prominent natural resources, the Monongahela River. My family and I no longer use the tap water at our house due to the reports of radiation from fracking. Sadly, many are not able to invest in at-home water dispensers and purifiers due to the expense and inconvenience. This is causing many citizens of Western Pennsylvania to be exposed to harmful chemicals, which definitely should not be happening or continue to happen under any circumstance.

Regarding the article, I fully support the removal of the gag rule from Act 13 for health professionals. This rule is completely unethical and immoral. Citizens should be aware of what is going on in their environment and no secrets should be kept to protect the fracking industry, or any industry for that matter. As a future social worker, I feel that some serious changes and protections need to be made against this issue to protect our people from harm.

A great start would definitely be the removal of the gag rule, setbacks of drilling infrastructure at least a mile away from schools, nursing homes, hospitals or other facilities and educating the public on the health risks posed by fracking. I firmly believe that even the smallest steps toward this goal can lead to a monumental change.

Shayne Finley

Millsboro