Fracking: Blog #3

​As a lobbyist, it's important to know where you and your issue stand. From where I am, me and fracking look promising. This year and last there has been a lot of legislature and protests about my topic, getting involved now would only be a matter of contacting the right people. 

In Pennsylvania's senate are people who are on my side. A few of these are Daylin Leach, Camille George, and my representatives I mentioned in my 2nd blog post. They and other members of PA's government have created laws such as Resolution 110686 and HB 2754. Fracking has also recieved a lot of media attention. The documentary "Gas Lands" by Josh Foxx (now an important and influential activist against fracking) was one of the original cries for help, but newspapers have covered fracking numerous time. They recently linked the recent earthquake activity with hydraulic fracturing. Marcellus Shale protests are now not uncommon, including an Occupy Pittsburgh in protest of fracking. While this is a good first step for my cause, it is also important to recognize the power my opponents hold in government. 

CEO's of gas companies have, for many years, held influence in our governmental policies. One example is Alan Walker (who I discussed in my 2nd blog post) he has been given authority over Economic Development- the making of jobs for energy. Walker was once the CEO of Bradford Energy. Another example is T Boone Pickens, who pushes for the United States to be independent from foreign oil, but at what cost? These men, and many others have mixed oil and gas with politics and politicians cannot find their way out. 

Regardless of powerful opponents, the little people have to press on. There are politicians in the PA government that I could work with to change the course of fracking. I personally know Daylin Leach, who is a member of the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. He is in the minority in that particular committee. But even the chair, Mary Jo White, has brought legislation about tightening hydraulic fracturing standards. These are the people that I would work with concerning my issue. Additionally, I would coordinate with lobbying groups. The Sierra Club is an activist group with a branch in Pennsylvania. They have been strongly opposing fracking. 

Below: Daylin Leach at a Fracking Protest

In terms of timing, no big legislation has been proposed recently, but that doesn't mean that time is not the essence. I can still work, participating in protests and sending letters to the politicians who can help me with my endeavors. An upcoming event is a No Fracking Protest on November 30th.    

These factors all add to the knowledge a young lobbyist like myself needs. I now know who to coordinate with, who are my opponents. More significantly, I know who I can influence and what that means for my issue.