Tuesday, November 6, 2012
What is it, why it's on the ballot and what it means for voters in Oak Park.
Hydraulic fracturing—commonly called fracking—involves pumping a mixture of water, sand, and chemicals into well bores at high pressure to free gas from tight rock formations thousands of feet below ground, according to the Center for American Progress. Fracking has been used for about 60 years, and is taking place in 28 states. But with a push to find more domestic sources of oil and gas, the practice is coming more under scrutiny. The investigative team a ProPublica has published a long series of revealing articles — and don't miss the must-watch 2:30 video explaining the fracking process. Oil and gas industry associations, such as Energy from Shale, say the process is safe. Kimberly Oelze, president of the Illinois Oil and Gas …
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Local activists may get their wish as bill requiring companies to disclose fracking chemicals winds its way through the Legislature.
Legislation that would do what activists right here in Oak Park are hoping for — control the process of extracting oil and gas from shale known as fracking — is a step closer to becoming law in Illinois. Earlier: Fracking on Fall Ballot: What You Need to Know The State Journal Register reports that the Senate late last month unanimously approved SB 3280 and sent it on to the House, where consideration during the spring session is uncertain. The bill would allow the Department of Natural Resources, which regulates the oil and gas industry in Illinois, to have power over hydraulic fracturing. Energy companies also would have to disclose the chemical makeup of the fluids used in their process. The bill got a big thumbs-up because it was …
Monday, April 16, 2012
Advisory referendum on fracking will be debated as the controversial procedure comes to Illinois. Local activists want it halted.
Controversial issues and referenda go hand-in-hand in Oak Park. In 1985 voters backed a handgun ban approved by trustees. Last year a measure allowing the village to seek out its own source of electricity – or community choice aggregation – passed. Separate advisory questions requiring disclosure of ingredients in vaccines and opposition to the war in Iraq each won hands-down. This fall, voters can weigh in on another national issue: fracking. Participants at the annual Oak Park Township meeting decided April 10 to place an advisory question about the controversial practice on the November ballot. The non-binding measure, which required only 15 signatures to get placed before attendees, would require fracking companies to disclose the …
Friday, August 26, 2011
Another weekend, another chance to get out and explore the Oak Park and River Forest area.
Summer is winding down and school is starting up. Here's a look at some activities to get your weekend started right: MOVIE NIGHT IN BARRIE PARK When/Where: Begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Barrie Park, 127 Garfield St. in Oak Park. Why Go: All kinds of family fun as Istvan and His Imaginary Band kick things off before a screening of How to Train Your Dragon. Price: Free BATS! NIGHT STALKERS When/Where: 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday at Hal Tyrell Trailside Nature Museum, 738 Thatcher Ave. in River Forest. Why Go: Organizers say participants can "Discover the hidden world of bats, including using special equipment to find them outside." Price: Free, registration required. More here. PEDAL OAK PARK BIKE TOUR When/Where: Begins 9:30 a.m. at …
Terry Mueller
6:57 am on Friday, May 4, 2012
Why can't we just use this investment toward wind farms and/or solar energy? This just does not make any sense. We all know that the carbon is bad, so why not keep creating sustainable methods. more ›