MARQUETTE, MI – (Great Lakes Radio News) – Opponents of fracking in Michigan begin a petition drive next week to outlaw the practice.
Fracking involves deep-earth drilling for natural gas. The procedure includes high pressure, which creates cracks in rock which releases natural gas.
Parts of Michigan have a tremendous amount of natural gas. Supporters of fracking say it will help Michigan obtain its own fossil fuel, create jobs, deal with growing energy needs nationally as well as rising energy costs.
Opponents say the process causes the release of solid, liquid and gaseous waste, which can pollute the water, land and air.
A group called The Committee to Ban Fracking in Michigan will begin collecting signatures April 12. It must collect enough valid signatures to put their proposal on the statewide ballot.
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