Protestors Say No to Fracking in North Carolina

Opponents to fracking are protesting ahead of a public meeting surrounding new state regulations  at the Rockingham County High School in Wentworth Monday.

The hearing is one of four taking place across the state.  The North Carolina Mining and Energy Commission is recommending 126 new rules to oversee gas exploration.

Jeremy Warren owns a two-acre farm in Madison and is a member of the group “No Fracking in Rockingham”.

“I'm a father of a two year-old and I have a daughter on the way. I have always hoped to raise them on the same farm that my great grandparents started," says Warren. "I'm very concerned about the ability for them to have fresh well water like I have had and to enjoy the same rivers, creeks and wildlife that I have had a chance to enjoy. I just want to make people think about it. Rather than just the potential dollars in somebody's pockets, I want them to think about the legacy they are leaving for the citizens of the county.”    

Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, uses a mixture of water, sand, rock and chemicals to break shale formations and extract methane gas. Supporters of the process say it is a safe and responsible method for mining and the industry could pump millions into several North Carolina counties.

Jim Womack with the Mining and Energy Commission says the public input will be considered before the rules are finalized. “From there, the information will go on to the legislature and they will have the final say on whether those are adequate rules or not and then they will give the green light for permitting in the spring or summer of 2015."

More than 700 people attended the previous meetings before the state Mining and Energy Commission in Raleigh and Sanford.  In June, Gov. Pat McCrory signed a bill into law allowing fracking in the state.