Films bring fracking to forefront

By Jaymie Baxley, The Robesonian, Lumberton, N.C., May 31, 2015

PEMBROKE — “Fracking Stories,” a series of short documentaries about the public health and environmental consequences associated with hydraulic fracturing, will be screened Thursday at the Pembroke Public Library.

The six films that comprise “Fracking Stories” form “a cautionary tale of what happens when this industry comes to town,” according to a press release. Sponsored by the Winyah Rivers Foundation, the free event is part of a tour that includes a dozen stops across North Carolina.

“As an advocate for clean water and healthy communities, we are co-hosting the Pembroke screening to raise awareness and spur action locally,” said Christine Ellis, the foundation’s river advocate. “The close proximity of the Cumberland-Marlboro shale basin and potential impacts that would result from fracking there [could affect] communities in Hoke, Scotland and Robeson counties.”

Rules governing fracking that were developed by the Mining and Energy Commission took effect in March, clearing the way for the state to start issuing drilling permits. Before asking the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for a permit, applicants must acquire mineral rights for several hundred acres of land — a parcel known as a drilling unit — and have the unit approved by the commission.

“Even as lawsuits are challenging the Mining and Energy Commission and stopping fracking permits, resistance to fracking is still growing across our state,” said Hope Taylor, executive director of the nonprofit Clean Water for North Carolina. “The ‘Fracking Stories’ films provide us with a major new tool to build awareness, and we are eager to share them with communities across the state.”

Clean Water for North Carolina is one of several nonprofits sponsoring the tour. Other sponsors include the Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League, Appalachian Voices and Working Films.

The event will begin at 6:30 p.m inside the Pembroke Public Library, which is located at 413 Blaine St. For information, call Ellis at 843-267-3161 or email christine@winyahrivers.org.