March 8th, 2017 by WCBC Radio

Last week in Annapolis hundreds of people rallied against allowing hydraulic fracturing for natural gas in Maryland. The rally was held, as lawmakers on a House committee were scheduled to vote on banning the process known as fracking. The panel ended up delaying a vote until Friday. While there is no question those opposed to fracking and in support of a permanent ban have made the loudest arguments, had the largest demonstrations and generated most of the headlines- there is also a substantial number of groups on the other side of the issue. Supporters say allowing the drilling could create jobs in western Maryland and that it could be done safely, because the state has created strong regulations.  Brenda Smith is executive director of the Greater Cumberland Committee…