Franklin County commission passes resolution opposing fracking in Florida

            Franklin County commissioners have approved a resolution opposing fracking in our area.

Fracking is a process used to get oil and natural gas out of underground shale using a high-pressure water and chemical mixture.

There is no fracking currently going on in our area, but there is a Texas company seeking state permits to begin seismic testing on private land in Calhoun and Gulf counties.

The testing could begin as early as December.

There is a move to ban fracking statewide, so local commissioners had the county attorney create a resolution that spells out many of the possible impacts that could be felt specifically in Franklin county.

The resolution raises concerns about the chemicals used in the fracturing process, some of which are known to be carcinogenic.

It also discusses the need for substantial amounts of fresh water during fracking at a time when many local governments are struggling with the impacts that water scarcity may have in the state in the near future.

The resolution also raises concerns about the potential harmful impacts fracking can have on wildlife and on the oyster industry and points out that the state has spent millions of dollars on buying property in Franklin County for conservation to help protect the Apalachicola River and Bay and fracking would greatly threaten that protection.

Franklin County is the 18^th county in Florida to pass a resolution asking that fracking not be allowed.

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