The New F Word–Fracking

North Carolina sits atop a treasure trove. Natural gas deposits, located in geographical formations, are buried less than a mile deep in Lee, Chatham, Durham, Wake and Orange Counties. So far around 1,400 square miles of natural gas has been confirmed, which could power the states energy needs for over 40 years.

"We think it's commercially significant," James Simons the state geologist said. "These deposits could extend further than we think. It could be a lot more."

As of right now it is illegal in North Carolina to participate in the practice of hydrolic fracturing or "fracking." This process is used to obtain the natural gas by pumping water, mixed with chemicals, under high pressure into the earth to open up fractures and release the gas.

The discovery of natural gas deposits in and around the Triangle has led the North Carolina Legislature to consider overturning the ban. North Carolinians have the potential to cash in to the natural gas craze but it could come at a cost.

Here are some articles that discuss the process of hydrolic fracturing and the impact, both negatively and positively, it could have in North Carolina if the ban were to be lifted.

• The News & Observer Article: This article is extremely helpful because it is written by a local newspaper in North Carolina. The main point of the story is about the natural gas deposits in North Carolina and the process of hydrolic fracturing. It does an excellent job of containing information that pertains to the state of North Carolina. In addition, when it brings in information from other states it directly relates to North Carolina.
• Daily Tar Heel Article: The DTH hits the nail on the head with this article. It discusses the conflict that has ensued, and could grow even larger, if North Carolina seriously considered overturning the ban on hydrolic fracturing. It includes quotes from those who support drilling for natural gas and those who believe that there are risks to the practice. 
• Reesenews Article: Reesenews provides facts and information about fracking and the impacts it could have on North Carolina. Similarly to the N&O article is contains information from other areas that pertains to NC.
• Huffington Post: The Huffington Post provides a series of pictures with blurbs at the bottom about the pros and the cons of fracking. It's short and to the point with its information, which is great for the reader to understand and grasp the topic. 
•   EPA: The Environmental Protection Agency is one of the most trusted resources for facts, and the truth, about environmental issues. Although some would not agree with them, the EPA does what it thinks is best for Americans. This blurb talks about what the federal government defines as fracking and why it is exempt from the Safe Drinking Act and Clean Water Act. 
• CBS "60 Minutes": "60 Minutes" did a report on fracking. It is an excellent way to learn about the process if one does not feel like reading about it. As always "60 Minutes" attempts to show both sides of the story.
• University of Texas Austin: The University of Texas recently conducted a study on the environmental impacts of fracking. The report and the most basic findings can be found here.   

As always there are two sides to every story. There are benefits and consequences of fracking. North Carolina needs to seriously weigh the benefits of allowing fracking, and if it does be willing to mitigate as much as possible the negative effects. It is important as North Carolinians to pay attention to whats going on and to be informed citizens. 

153: Purdue Decides Not to Run

Governor Beverly Purdue shocked the North Carolina Democratic Party, and many other North Carolinian's, when she announced that she was not running for re-election in 2012 late last week.

"It is clear to me that my race for re-election will only further politicize the fight to adequately fund our schools. A re-election campaign in this already divisive environment will make it more difficult to find any bipartisan solutions," Purdue announced in a statement released last Thursday.

Her announcement has sent the Democratic Party into a scramble to find a candidate to run against Pat McCory, the former Mayor of Charlotte. The first female governor in North Carolina history,  Purdue narrowly beat McCory in 2008. Many attributed President Obama's success in the Tar Heel State as one of the contributing factors to Purdue's win.

Her decision to not run has also increased the stress level of the North Carolina Democratic Party because North Carolina is projected to be a very important state in the 2012 Presidential Election. President Obama surprisingly won in 2008, the first time the state was won by a Democrat since the 1976 election. In addition, the Democratic National Convention will take place in Charlotte later this year.

Democrats Look for a New Candidate

Purdue's decision has opened the door wide open for other Democrats to throw their hat into the race for the Democratic Nomination. Lieutenant Governor Walton Dalton and Representative Bill Faison D-Orange have already announced that they will seek the Democratic Nomination. Attorney General Roy Cooper and State Treasurer Janet Cowell have withdrawn have publicly declared that they will not run.

Congressman Brad Miller and Mike McIntyre and former Congressman Bill Etheridge have expressed interest in running. Additionally, state Senator Dan Blue and former Treasurer Richard Moore, who ran against Purdue in 2008 for the Democratic nomination, could possibly enter the race.

Bowles Declines 

To the dismay of Democrats this morning, the most viable candidate against McCory decided not to run. Erskine Bowles, the former President of the University of North Carolina school system, announced that he would not seek the Democratic nomination.

"I've spent a lot of time trying to think what is the right thing for me to do," Bowles stated. " I don't think anyone questions my love for North Carolina or my efforts to make our State a better place to live, work, or raise a family. I've done my best in this regard and I plan to continue to do so."

A statewide poll published by Public Policy Polling earlier this week showed that McCory leads Lt. Gov. Dalton and Rep. Faison by 19 and 15 percentage points respectively. Bowles, however, would have been in a statistical dead heat with McCory if he had decided to run with a 42 to 44 percent margin.

Bowles's decision has once again left the Democratic nomination for NC governor wide open.

McCory Sticks to the Same Game-plan

Pat McCory officially announced his candidacy for the Republican Gubernatorial nomination this ast Tuesday. At this time he does not face any opposition from fellow Republicans. Although, McCory is still awaiting his challenger in the general election, he has said that his game-plan will not change.

"Our schedule has not changed. Our message has not changed and our strategy will not change." McCory said. "This scenario is one that we potentially saw happening, so it did not come as a huge surprise because we knew she's been in trouble for various reasons, and part of it was me being a strong candidate."

Regardless of his opponent, McCory firmly believes that he is the best man for the job and for North Carolina. He believes that the Democrats rule in North Carolina under former Governor Mike Easily, and now Beverly Purdue, has significantly damaged the economy. Meanwhile, McCory has the advantage of a $2.6 million dollar war chest--with $2 million in cash on hand--and the fact that Democrats will spend three months fighting to win votes and campaign donations while he'll keep accumulating money and support.  

Gabriella's Take 

Needless to say, I was shocked one week ago today when Governor Purdue announced that she would not be running. I knew that Purdue would face a tough challenge against McCory, but I felt that she was well prepared. She had raised around $2 million dollars for her re-election, and she had stuck steadfastly to her beliefs even if she disagreed vehemently with the Republican Legislature.

 The US economy has been improving, albeit slowly, over the past couple of months and President Obama's approval ratings have improved. In addition, the Republican field this year has been underwhelming to many, including Republicans. Also, let us not forget the ever helpful incumbency advantage. People may not like her, but more likely than not they would know her name on the ballot.

I'll be honest, my initial reaction when she decided not to run is that she is that she is hiding something. Here is this woman, who has worked her whole life to achieve something, and one day she just decides to not go after it anymore? No, that's not right. Although, I do not always agree with Governor Purdue, I have great respect for her as a woman and as our governor.

There are a variety of reasons why Purdue decided not to run. Maybe she saw the writing on the wall and realized that Democrats had the chance of doing better without her. Maybe she was tired of fighting with the Republican Legislature. Or maybe she is telling the truth in saying that she wants to de-politicize the fight over education. My gut tells me that it is most likely a combination of all of these things and quite possibly some other things that we could have never guessed.

Let the race begin.



Credits 

http://www.wral.com/news/state/nccapitol/story/10665601/
http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/01/31/1818715/perdue-out-dems-like-bowles.html
http://www.wral.com/news/state/nccapitol/story/10647166/
http://www.270towin.com/states/North_Carolina
http://www.wral.com/news/state/nccapitol/blogpost/10678711/