P Is for the Planet

This November, voters in our county will have to make a decision regarding Measure P, the controversial bill that aims to ban hydraulic fracturing in our county. We are currently in the middle of one of the most severe droughts our state has ever known. Hydraulic fracturing, commonly known as fracking, requires up to eight million gallons of water for every job. In addition, it can pollute our groundwater by injecting dangerous chemicals such as uranium and hydrochloric acid into wells.

Fracking is a dangerous method of harvesting a limited resource. It is time for us to outlaw this outdated technique and become an example for the nation. Even if this measure causes jobs to be lost, new jobs can be found. A new planet cannot be found.