Fracking fracas

Three solid reasons to put a moratorium on shale gas "fracking" in Quebec.

1. Rules and Regulations. Until the government establishes appropriate rules and regulations, there should be a halt to operations. To its credit, the government has begun the process. I would urge the government to consult with their counterparts in Texas, Utah and Pennsylvania (etc.) where fracking is underway, as well the State of New York which has a moratorium in place. In the meantime, write your MNA and the minsiters of the environment and natural resources.
2. Full disclosure. There should be no drilling at all until the drilling companies reveal, publicly, the exact content of the chemicals injected into the ground. Since the shale lies under a large portion of Quebec's agricultural lands, the danger to soil and water is too great to leave to the trust of the oil and gas industry.
3. Market Value. Shale gas extraction in North America has already resulted in a glut of natural gas in the pipelines. There is no urgency to add even more NG which would only depress prices further. On the other hand, use of natural gas is projected to grow continuously over the next 20 years in North America. Prices will rise and so will the royalty that the province can demand from the gas producers. Quebec will more desperately need higher royalties in 20 years than lower royalties now. Let it sleep. The gas is not going anywhere.