During question period on Oct. 22, the Yukon Party’s Energy, Mines and Resources Minister Scott Kent pontificated: “We want Yukoners to be equipped with knowledge so they can combat the misinformation and fear that is out there with respect to this type of oil-and-gas development.” Kent was referring to the Yukon Party decision to start fracking in the Kotaneelee area.
He went on to state the Yukon Party have adopted a rule of “zero tolerance for misinformation” on oil and gas and fracking.
But just who is spreading misinformation to the Yukon public? Is Kent pointing the finger at the all-party select committee that studied the risks and benefits of hydraulic fracturing? This all-party committee clearly stated that this type of unconventional drilling should not take place until the 21 recommendations have been fully evaluated and put in place. Yukon has barely started to address these recommendations.
Is Kent pointing the finger at Yukoners Concerned About Oil and Gas Exploration, who have based their opposition to fracking on the findings of scientists, hydrologists, health and wildlife professionals and other experts, who have warned of fracking’s dangers to water, the environment and human health? Are these distinguished experts all out to mislead the citizens of this tiny jurisdiction?
Over 8,000 Yukoners signed a petition to ban LNG and fracking in the Yukon. Mr. Kent are you telling Yukoners who turned out in record numbers at community hearings on fracking to voice their opposition and those who signed the petition that they are misleading the public?
For an independent, third party study about the dangers of fracking, look up the science based compendium prepared by the concerned health professionals in New York State. Their main statement makes clear that fracking poses significant threats to air, water, climate stability, seismic stability, community cohesion and long-term economic well being - all indicated by the latest research, including that of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. You can find it at www.concernedhealthny.org.
Interestingly, Mr. Kent has stopped referring to hydraulic fracturing, preferring instead to hide behind the term “oil and gas development,” as revealed in his very general and evasive answers to the opposition during question period on Oct. 22.
We know who is misleading Yukoners about oil-and-gas development and fracking and who is avoiding confronting the reality of climate change by clinging to fossil fuel development. He is Scott Kent, minister of energy, mines and resources. Zero tolerance for misinformation must begin with him.
Donald Roberts
Yukoners Concerned About Oil and Gas Exploration