14 DAY TRIAL // In the aftermath of several reports pinning down and highlighting the devastating effects the fracking industry can have both on the environment, and on public health, Quebec's new natural resources minister states that this particular province could soon outlaw this practice altogether.
Apparently, although several scientists have spoken in favor of fracking, claiming that technological advances now allow this industry to carry on with its working agenda without impacting on the natural world, Martine Ouellet is yet to become convinced that fracking can indeed be practiced in a safe manner.
For those who missed our previous discussions on this topic, fracking is basically a process which allows workers to access and extract petroleum, natural gas and similar energy resources from the underground with the help of pressurized fluids.
Thus, as such liquids are injected into the earth, new channels are created and said chemical compounds are significantly easier to draw to the surface.
Whilst several researchers claim that fracking has to be held responsible for the contamination of underground water sources, others argue that the amounts of harmful substances that might seep into said reservoirs are nothing to worry about.
Commenting on this process, Quebec's new natural resources minister told members of the press that, “I don't foresee a day when there will be technology that will allow safe exploitation.”
Furthermore, “Our position is very clear: we want a complete moratorium, not only on exploitation but also on exploration of shale gas. We haven't changed our minds.”
Tree Hugger informs us that, although shale-gas exploration is presently halted in this part of the world in order to allow for various environmental reviews to be carried out, the fact remains that outlawing this industry altogether stands to have a noteworthy negative impact on the province's economy.
Hopefully, more information on this topic will soon be made available.