Politics & Government

Hear From Experts About Oil-Drilling Leases at Town Hall Meeting Tonight

'Emerging issue' has proven controversial among some local homeowners and municipalities.

A town hall meeting is planned this week to address oil and gas drilling projects across Oakland County.

Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash will lead a panel discussion with experts who will discuss the impact of the oil-drilling leases. 

The meeting is planned for 6 p.m. Wednesday at the West Bloomfield Township Hall.

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“This emerging issue is an important one for our region, and my office will hold these kinds of meetings around the county so that our residents can be informed and learn about topics that can affect our quality of life,” said Nash in a press release.

Speakers include Joe Curry, of the Michigan Groundwater Association, Hal Fitch, from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, and Michele Economou Ureste, West Bloomfield Township Supervisor. 

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Last September, Oakland County residents turned out to a town hall meeting with a speaker representing Michigan Oil And Gas Association, a group including independent oil companies.

There, some residents voiced their concerns about hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking," in fear of the process involved with drilling locally. The process is controversial because of the possibility of air pollution and toxic chemicals entering the local water supply. 

Are you concerned about "fracking"? Tell us about it in the comments.


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