If you live in New Brunswick, you know the fracking debate runs deep. The provincial government recently held a public meeting in Sussex to discuss lifting the 2012 moratorium on shale gas development. Roughly 130 people packed the Sussex Lions Club community hall to question officials on the environmental impacts and economic benefits of the industry.

According to a report by CBC News, the session served as an informal question and answer period. Residents from Sussex and surrounding areas stepped up to the microphone to voice their concerns and support.

Health and Environmental Concerns Take Center Stage

Many attendees focused their questions on the potential damage to human health and the local environment. Beth McQuinn from nearby Penobsquis challenged the panel directly. She asked how much environmental damage and illness the province is willing to accept for short term financial gain.

McQuinn told reporters after the session that she found the government responses dismissive. She pointed to scientific evidence showing health ramifications and dangers to local water and air.

Government Officials Emphasize Fact Finding

Provincial representatives stressed that they have not made any final decisions. Jennifer Welles from the Department of Natural Resources described the current five month review as a fact finding expedition. The panel is weighing financial benefits against health and community impacts to prepare recommendations for the government.

Katie Pettie from the environment department added that the province is looking at other jurisdictions to understand new methods in the industry. New Brunswick has seen very little fracking activity in recent years. The Sussex region remains the only place in the province where fracking currently happens. The previous Progressive Conservative government created a regulatory exemption for the area in 2019. Headwater Exploration currently extracts natural gas from 32 wells in that region.

Supporters Highlight Economic Growth

Not everyone at the meeting opposed the industry. Two attendees spoke in favor of expanding shale gas development. Bill Crow previously worked in the oil and gas sector and expressed his full support. He stated that he feels safe in his community and wants local children to have job opportunities so the region can prosper.

Crow believes the opposition stems from fear and a lack of factual knowledge about the industry. Paul Bedford also supported the industry and hopes New Brunswickers reap the financial benefits of their own natural resources.

Calls for a Public Referendum

Some residents want a direct say in the final decision. Bob Osborne from Cornhill protested shale development over a decade ago. He asked provincial officials to commit to a public referendum on the issue.

Natural Resources Minister John Herron attended the meeting and called the referendum idea a political component. He stated the government will figure that out in January. Premier Susan Holt also confirmed that the province plans to hold more public meetings once working groups gather additional information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current status of fracking in New Brunswick?
New Brunswick implemented a moratorium on shale gas development in 2012. The Sussex area is the only exception due to a 2019 regulatory change.

Why did the government hold a meeting in Sussex?
The provincial government is reviewing the 2012 moratorium. The Sussex meeting allowed residents to ask questions and share their opinions with provincial officials.

Will there be a public referendum on fracking?
The government has not committed to a referendum. Natural Resources Minister John Herron stated they will address the political aspects of the decision in January.

Are there more public meetings planned?
Yes. Premier Susan Holt announced that the province will schedule additional meetings after working groups collect more data.