Public review of both the process of hydrofracking and regulation of hydrofracking would be most welcome. As it now stands, a deep veil of secrecy surrounds the possible state acceptance of this drilling method.
Kimberly More in her commentary ("State panelists show an anti-fracking bias," Nov. 27) says that the panelists asked to review the state's proposed natural gas regulations for potential impacts to public health have "predetermined opinions." She appears to believe no scientific studies exist that show health concerns regarding fracking.
In fact, studies do show health risks related to fracking. Here are a couple:
One from the University of Colorado shows cancer risks were 66 percent higher for people living within half a mile, http://tinyurl.com/ccq9vhz
Here is another study from Cornell University, reporting respiratory and gastrointestinal problems, http://tinyurl.com/bqy7yon
It is important to remember, thanks to the "Halliburton loophole" to the Clean Water Act, that hydrofracking corporations were allowed to keep private many of the dangerous chemicals used in fracking water. No reason exists to allow these companies to keep secret these chemicals, circumventing the public health. The companies should have to release the lists of chemicals.
Fracking contaminates ground water, uses excessive amounts of water and pollutes air and land. Letting panelists versed in the study of this process take time to investigate and report is important to the public health.
MARIANNE WALDOW
New York