When I was in Ohio for Christmas, the conversation at every family gathering eventually turned to how much money everyone was getting for selling their mineral rights to the gas companies and whether or not they would put a well on their respective properties. 

Apparently, even if you didn’t sell, if enough people sold they could still technically drill under your property (that’s what they’ve been told, anyway).

As for New York, there are currently an estimated 40,000 drills planned for the state, which could also effect our drinking water supply. The latest is that the hearings in NY on fracking drew so many people that they extended the period for public comments until Jan. 11. 

This link goes to NYT’s series on natural gas drilling, which they’ve been running for a while. There’s lots of information, especially if you have family or friends who are considering signing leases. 

There’s lots to be said about this issue. If you know you’re against it, or at least want more debate about the issue, you can sign this petition: http://action.biologicaldiversity.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=9073. 

And look, Mark Ruffalo! http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/04/to-the-battlements-mark-ruffalo/