Letters: County needs to ban fracking

In response to the Free Lance view by Marvin Jones, it’s apparent that the Ban Fracking Initiative has not been read carefully!  Much of what’s stated by Mr. Jones is incorrect.
“San Benito Rising” is a grassroots group of people from all over our county and immediate region, not just Aromas.  The initiative that will be placed on the November ballot does permit conventional petroleum operations in San Benito. It bans hydraulic fracturing, acid well stimulation and cyclic steam injection that are high-intensity and dangerous extraction methods.  These techniques involve massive water usage and have toxic impact on water, soil and air.
Low-intensity, conventional drilling will only be permitted in suitable, non-residential zones of our county – such as farms and ranches.  This protects home values and residents from noise, odor, heavy truck traffic, visual effects, contamination and pollution.  Drought and water scarcity demands that our county’s water be saved for agriculture, residents and natural habitats that sustain all life.  We can’t afford higher bills, and taxes resulting from misuse of our precious water resource! Modern technology provides us with rooftop solar, wind power and other renewable, sustainable energy options, now in extensive use elsewhere.  These options can be implemented in our county to provide healthy jobs.  We don’t need a boom and bust oil or gas disaster.
Property rights are protected.  The initiative makes secure the rights of people and abides by county, state, Federal laws.  Mr. Jones insinuates that our group is funded by the deep pockets of Center for Biological Diversity.  The concerned members of our local grassroots group are minimally funded (by ourselves, friends and family) and much help is pro bono.  We are all volunteers working toward a very worthy cause — protection of our water, local agriculture, tourism, natural resources and also upholding the health and welfare of all living in our community.
San Benito Rising wants to give voters a voice in deciding what is best now and in their children’s future.  We’re at the tipping point of devastating consequences for San Benito’s rural heritage and well being.  
Please refer to sanbenitorising.org for information.
Jeannette Langstaff, Hollister