Fracking deserves a balanced exam by state

There’s a rock formation in Central North Carolina that has some seeing dollar signs. Geologists think if our state allowed fracking, these rocks could supply the state’s natural gas needs for 40 years.

Right now, fracking is illegal in the state, but that all could change this year if the legislature decides the process is safe.

A few North Carolina cities already have come out against the whole idea, issuing bans on fracking, which is largely symbolic since state law would trump local regulation.

Fracking involves pumping water and chemicals into a drilled well to break apart underground shale rock and release natural gas. The method has been blamed for polluting water wells.

Economically speaking, fracking could bring in some much needed revenue to the state. But the potential environmental drawbacks gives some state leaders pause.

Taking a pause is fine by us. We’d prefer the state take time to make a sensible decision, look at all the issues that surround fracking and find a way to split the difference.

While we don’t want to see the industry given carte blanch to run amok without any regulation, we also don’t want to turn away a lucrative opportunity on the basis of unfounded fears.

State agencies such as the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources are equipped to weigh these possibilities. We hope leaders allow a thorough review rather than turning this into a political issue that pits economists against environmentalists.

Truly we need every boost we can get to create new jobs, but not at the detriment of our state’s natural resources. Let’s hold off on making a judgment call until the state has a chance to fully explore what we’d be getting into – or losing out on.