Fogarty oil and gas LTE June 21, 2008
Fogarty ABQ oil and gas LTE June 21, 2008 in the Journal
Albuquerque Journal
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Letters to the Editor:
Oil, Gas Drilling Put Our Water, Health at Risk
Americans are ready for change and want to see more of our solar and wind energy resources developed. It is unfortunate that the Albuquerque Journal endorsed oil and gas exploration on the West Mesa next to our homes, our schools, and water supplies.
It also is concerning that the Journal has parroted the oil and gas industries’ unsubstantiated claims that they can drill without harming water supplies or public health. ...
The Journal neglected to tell readers that, since 1990, the New Mexico Oil Conservation Division has documented more than 700 incidents of groundwater contamination from oil and gas facilities across the state.
The Journal also failed to mention that the oil and gas industry has used more than 100 chemicals in New Mexico groundwater sources; the majority of which have been linked to reproductive, neurologic, immune, and/or respiratory health problems.
Before warmly embracing oil and gas drilling, Bernalillo County leaders — and the Journal — might consider following the example of Mora, Rio Arriba, and Santa Fe counties.
Leaders in those areas are now conducting comprehensive studies looking at potential health, economic, and water impacts of drilling and have created moratoriums on new drilling until those impacts are fully understood.
JOHN FOGARTY, M.D.
1Sky New Mexico
Santa Fe
