Submitted by the Riverdale Yonkers Society for Ethical Culture and Passed at the 96th AEU Assembly

A series of articles produced by the New York Times as well as other national publications reveal the irreparable damage produced by hydraulic fracturing, colloquially known as fracking. Fracking, which has been going on for years in Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming, involves the injection of highly toxic chemicals into rock formations for the purpose of releasing the natural gas trapped inside the earth. Large stretches of lands around the United States have been leased to energy companies for this purpose with stunning damaging results to human health and the natural environment.

As evidenced by a number of incidents reported by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), fracking continues to present harmful results. Closest to home, and according to American Rivers, a conservation group, more than 15 million people in New York and Philadelphia get their water from the pristine watershed of the Delaware River. The Delaware River is considered the home of the cleanest free flowing water in the country. Yet, this unspoiled natural resource is considered the most endangered river in the United States due to the drilling of natural gas through fracking. According to the EPA, areas in Pennsylvania where trees have been cleared to make room for drilling sites, people have gotten sick, animals have mysteriously lost their hair and high levels of Methane, Iron and Aluminum have been found in the water.

Due to palpable health problems and the potential for widespread habitat destruction, Fracking has become the center of an intense national debate. For example, in 2010, then Governor Paterson issued a moratorium restricting the practice of fracking in New York State until July 2011. Locally, we have responded by scheduling platforms, signing petitions and contacting our elected officials. The Riverdale-Yonkers Society for Ethical Culture regards fracking as a serious threat to humanity. Hence, our forceful call to the Ethical Movement to engage in the promotion of a national campaign against fracking. The following is our proposed plan for action:

• On going education of our members and community on energy conservation geared to less oil and gas consumption.
• Promotion of greener development in our societies, cities and communities
• Engage in the preparation of an advocacy plan for renewable technology
• Support tighter regulations/advocate for the extension of national moratoriums on fracking.
• Support Bill (A.7013) repealing regulatory exemptions to drilling practices
• Advocate for the passing of the Solar Industry development and Job Act
• Support the Clean Water Bill
• Advocate for transparency in government so that citizens can be assured that proper precautions are in place.

 
Hydraulic fracturing represents one of the greatest threats to the survival of humanity in our life time.
Therefore, it is our duty to raise our Ethical concerted voices against its practice.