Fracking resumes in Dimock, Pennsylvania, after a decade-long ban

After a 12 year hiatus, a major natural gas company is set to resume drilling and fracking in a rural Pennsylvania community that once held the dubious distinction of having flammable tap water.

— Michael Rubinkam reports for The Independent.


In short:

  • Coterra Energy received state approval to drill 11 gas wells in Dimock, previously banned due to water pollution.
  • The decision divides residents between economic benefits and environmental concerns.
  • Despite a $16 million water system commitment, the drilling's return has raised issues of trust and safety.

Key quote:

“I was played a fool. This was the most egregious betrayal I’ve experienced in all of the gas wars I’ve been in.”

— Victoria Switzer, local resident affected by the drilling.

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