June 24th, 2016 by WCBC Radio
The controversial issue of fracking was subject of a public hearing this week in Cumberland, and the event drew a large crowd of protesters. Officials with the Maryland Department of the Environment listened to concerned citizens Wednesday night as the state moves toward finalizing regulations in preparation for the legalization of hydraulic fracturing in the state. Garrett and western Allegany County are viewed as potential future sites for fracking. The current moratorium on fracking will expire on October 1st of next year, clearing the way for the practice to begin. The hearing at Allegany College of Maryland was attended by an estimated 60 to 70 citizens- with about half voicing strong opposition. While the general public seems split on the issue, many local elected officials support fracking- looking at the potential of a new revenue stream of hundreds of millions of dollars for the fiscally distressed region. Those same officials have routinely expressed frustration with what they view as plans by the state to over regulate the process. Allegany County Commissioners Bill Valentine and Creade Brodie Jr…
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