Frederick Friends Meeting, after considering the consequences of inviting hydraulic fracturing for natural gas into the state of Maryland, sent the following letter to state government officials:

Frederick Friends Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends, a Quaker congregation, joins with many other meetings and congregations across the state in support of legislation to ban hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in Maryland. We urge you to support a complete ban on fracking in the state to protect citizens and our environment. We ask that you urge other legislators to do the same. We respect the arguments in favor of moving from coal to natural gas. However, we are concerned about the consequences of using fracking to produce natural gas. We now know that fracking is linked to serious health concerns, air pollution, water quality degradation, environmental disruption and even earthquakes.

We are aware that some Maryland legislators believe that strict regulations can mitigate fracking’s negative effects, but we are not confident that regulations can be developed and enforced that will be adequate to prevent the serious problems we have identified. Our vision for Maryland’s future includes clean air to breathe, healthy water supplies from our rivers and streams and a safe living and work environment for our fellow citizens.

Hydraulic fracturing is now linked to a higher incidence of leukemia in children; cancer, neurological illnesses and heart disease in those working or living near fracking operations; dangerous accidents, including explosions; and widespread environmental disruption. Higher methane emissions, linked to fracking operations, may lead to climate changes. A permanent ban on fracking will protect us. A ban will release our state to continue developing clean renewable energy resources that provide jobs and preserve our environment, our communities, our infrastructure and our health.

May the light of truth lead you to wise decisions that benefit our future. Thank you for hearing our thoughts on this important matter. We look forward to hearing your response to our concerns.

This letter was sent to Sens. Ron Young and Michael Hough and to Delegates Kathy Afzali, Barrie Ciliberti, William Folden, Carol Krimm, Karen Lewis Young and David Vogt. Copies were also sent to Gov. Larry Hogan, Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, House Speaker Michael Busch, and relevant committee members, including Joan Carter Conway, charged with the decision to allow or ban hydraulic fracturing in the state.

Ann Payne

Middletown

Ann Payne is the co-clerk of the Peace and Social Concerns Committee of the Frederick Friends Meeting.