http://motherboard.vice.com/en_uk/read/we-may-see-a-supercharged-surge-in-warming
http://ecowatch.com/2015/03/01/connections-climate-change-extreme-weather/
http://www.desmogblog.com/2015/03/02/internal-documents-reveal-extensive-industry-influence-over-epa-s-national-study-fracking
http://www.desmogblog.com/2013/11/25/new-evidence-fracking-s-property-value-impacts-banks-growing-reluctant-lend-near-gas-wells
http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-fracking-20150211-story.html#page=1
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2013/12/08/3036121/west-fracking-waste/?fb_comment_id=fbc_436407606484656_592101614248587_592101614248587
http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/briefs/eminent-domain/
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2015/01/08/Research-ties-Ohio-quakes-to-fracking.html
http://www.frackcheckwv.net/2015/01/28/the-false-promise-of-fracking-jobs-local-jobs/
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/01/14/3611503/two-new-fracking-pollutants/
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/12/18/nyregion/new-york-state-fracking-report.html?_r=2
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2013/10/04/2731921/fracking-billion-gallons-wastewater/

Excerpts from the Blog of Michael M. Barrick of March 5, 2015

Some issues simply do not deserve equal coverage of both sides

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. – Readers of this blog know I called into question the independence of the Clarksburg newspaper the other day because its president has interests in the natural gas industry and it has rarely, if ever, cast a critical eye on the multiple negative impacts of fracking and natural gas pipeline development. Those who receive my email updates also know that the newspaper’s publisher and editor took exception and wrote an open letter to everyone on the list, insisting that the newspaper was independent. They also wrote, “Unlike your blog, we are truly independent.”

I believe my reports and columns stand on their own merit. We are independent; however, what I understand is that factual reporting is not always balanced – nor should it be ….

I acknowledged that my worldview guides my reporting. That does not mean that I deny that there have been some limited benefits from the energy extraction industry; nevertheless, present facts and the well-documented history of the industry prove that any benefits are far outweighed by the misery experienced by the people of the state and region, as well as the damages done to our sacred landscape.

>>>>>>>>>>

This is more than a debate though. This is a teachable moment. Some issues, such as domestic violence and the adverse impacts of energy extraction, simply do not deserve equal coverage of both sides, because the facts do not support such a perspective. In West Virginia, eastern Kentucky, southeastern Ohio, and southwestern Pennsylvania, southwestern Virginia, the facts are clear – powerful interests have removed the riches from the earth for their own profit, while leaving its people battered, bruised and impoverished. It has left its landscape forever scarred.

Now, with the proposed construction of more than a thousand miles of pipelines to transport natural gas, the negative consequences could move into areas of Virginia and North Carolina that have, to a large degree, escaped the negative impacts of the energy extraction industry.

Consequently, I do not apologize for adhering to the journalistic principle that factual reporting is not always balanced. It would appear that the Clarksburg paper does not. Nor do many other publications that have compromised their integrity for profit. So, the question is, to what view of journalism do you subscribe?

Going back to the workers rights battles in the coal mine wars a century ago, the miners put red bandannas around their necks ”rednecks” and the mining company, sheriff and Pinkerton Men (private security force) had a horrible battle.

Its all for the reckless persuit of fossil fuels at any cost. Today we have a chance for healthier alternatives and our state government does not support the renewable energy programs that would provide longlasting, good paying, environmentally friendly jobs.

Statistics show that job creation is far greater when finance is invested into renewable energy verus fossil fuels not to mention certian types of renewables are becoming far more effecient in terms of production. We just need to take climate change seriously and have a sense of urgency about creating solutions. We have every opportunity but it requires objectivity.

“Additionally, in its lead editorial in the same edition, the newspaper uncritically adopted the energy industry’s assertions of its benefits, despite the overwhelming scientific evidence that the harm to public health and safety, as well as the environment, far outweighs any perceived benefit.”

Bad Weather is your good fortune: Free Access to The Exponent Telegram’s new E-Edition

Please take a look by clicking here to see the E-Edition for FREE!

http://www.theet.com/eedition_demo/page-a/page_80e1ce0e-8c76-52c4-8a87-2ebef8bd6191.html

Some major stories in today’s e-edition include:

SNOW!! (lots of photos)

FLOODING!! (lots of photos)