Dear Lucas,
As you know, a reservoir of natural gas lays underneath the ground of our district in a rock formation known as the Marcellus Shale. Recently, the question of whether we should drill in this formation has become a hot bed of political debate. At first glance the Marcellus Shale gas reserves appear to be a gift to our struggling economy. But, upon further study, its clear that unsafe and unregulated drilling has the power to irrevocably damage our way of life.
While I want to wait until the technology exists to allow us to extract the gas safely, my opponent has adopted a "Drill Baby Drill" platform and demands we throw caution to the wind and drill now. Though he calls himself unbiased, he has invested heavily in gas drilling rights in our district and stands to make a fortune should his plan go forward.
As I've studied the Marcellus Shale and listened to your thoughts I've determined that the current technology used to extract this precious resource does not sufficiently protect us from the potential dangers.
Indeed, Pennsylvania continues to provide us with examples of what not to do and the problems currently associated with drilling for gas in the Marcellus Shale. For example, I found the following video that highlights the dangers of unregulated and unsafe drilling.
Rather than drill baby drill, we must first develop the technology to safely extract the gas. So long as I am your voice in Congress, the safety of our water supply will always trump corporate profit.
Recently, I attended an informative conference on the Marcellus Shale in Watkins Glen, NY and heard from both sides of the drilling argument. Predictably, my opponent didn't bother to attend.
I thought I'd share a few key insights provided by residents of Dimock, Pennsylvania -- a town that's literally had its water supply destroyed by unregulated gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale.
Click here to view testimony from the forum in Watkins Glen.
Should we adopt unregulated drilling, their testimony will inevitably be ours.
The choice this November is clear. We must do everything we can to protect our homes and families. We cannot end up like Dimock.
Can you contribute $25, $50, $100 or more to my campaign? The gas companies have already bought my opponent -- their bottom lines form his "opinion." Help me protect our water so that future generations can call our beloved district home. Help me say enough is enough to the corporate greed that fuels my opponent's campaign.
Thank you for your continued support!
One Team. One Fight.
Sincerely,
Matt Zeller
Candidate for Congress, NY 29th District