We're all aware that money talks, but the degree to which pro-industry interests are distorting public information on fracking was in particularly high relief this week as natural gas companies are in no-holds-barred pursuit of billions in potential profits. Hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking" as it's more commonly called, injects large volumes of pressurized water, sand and highly toxic chemicals, such as carcinogenic benzene, deep into the ground to break up shale formations and release the natural gas inside. Fracking is known to contaminate water supplies as chemicals and radioactive material from the controversial practice find their way into aquifers, rivers and residential drinking-water wells. A recent editorial from the New York Post, titled "Frack, baby, frack," (see link below) lauds New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's proposed regulations to permit fracking in New York, claiming that a new Penn State study has proven the overwhelming economic benefits. This certainly isn't the first time the conservative NY Post – owned by scandal-weary media mogul Rupert Murdoch – has shamelessly embraced pro-industry positions, but I find the disregard for basic fact-checking and lack of journalistic integrity particularly egregious in this case. From the editorial: The [new Penn State] study says Pennsylvania, which allows the process (also known ...
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