Got Something to Say About Fracking? Here’s Your Chance
Fredericton– The Commission on Hydraulic Fracturing is asking New Brunswickers to share their views as part of their investigation into the viability of fracking natural gas in the province.
The commissioners, Marc Léger, John McLaughlin and Cheryl M.G. Robertson, are interested in hearing from any residents and groups who want to “contribute to the dialogue.” They’re particularly keen to hear from those who:
- Have direct knowledge of the shale gas industry as workers and/or service providers;
- Live near possible well sites;
- Have experience and/or knowledge, either formal or informal, in the areas of: Aboriginal rights; air and/or water quality and safety; New Brunswick’s geology; land management; North American energy markets; public health; public infrastructure; public safety and emergency planning; regulatory regimes; socio-economic impacts; and/or wastewater treatment and management.
The Commission was asked by Premier Brian Gallant to study the issue of fracking in the province to determine whether or not the following conditions can be met:
- The social licence to proceed.
- Clear and credible information about the impact of hydraulic fracturing on public health, the environment and water, allowing the government to develop a country-leading regulatory regime with sufficient enforcement capabilities.
- A plan in place that mitigates the impact on public infrastructure and that addresses issues such as waste water disposal.
- A process in place to respect the duty of the provincial government to consult with First Nations.
- A mechanism in place to ensure that benefits are maximized for New Brunswickers, including the development of a proper royalty structure.
They convened in March 2015 and were given a 12-month mandate to complete their work.
All public submissions must be sent in a digital format using the submission form on the commission’s website.