Environmental activist Brian Haberly speaks on fracking in California

As the extraction of oil and gas becomes more complicated, energy companies are turning to more complicated methods of bringing these substances to the surface and eventually to market. One method is hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking" -- a well-stimulation process that involves blasting huge amounts of water mixed with sand and dozens of chemical components deep into the earth, breaking up rock formations to free up oil and gas trapped beneath that rock.

While employed around the country for both oil and gas, in California fracking is mostly used to drill for oil. Many health care experts and environmentalists feel that the method and related processes of fracking pose serious consequences for our health, the environment and the future of the world's climate. South Bay environmental activist Brian Haberly agrees, and will share his concerns at the next meeting of Peace Action of San Mateo County.

Fracking has taken place in California for almost 60 years, and while the technology has evolved, there is evidence that chemicals used in fracking or released during the process are contaminating underground water supplies.

The process can also release dangerous chemicals into the air, such as methane, a greenhouse gas 30 times as potent as carbon dioxide. The possible result of climate change brings with it a number of anticipated health and environmental effects such as heat waves, extreme weather events, flooding, sea level rise, worsening air quality, crop damage, and social instability and conflict.

Brian Haberly is the chair of 350 Silicon Valley's Stop Fracking team and a director of the local Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter's Executive Committee. His work has lately centered on Measure J in San Benito County, one of three ballot measures in California aimed at a fracking ban. Taking place after election day, part of his talk will involve the outcomes of these measures as well as next steps for the fracking issue.
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