By Tina Shelton, co-chair of Greater Philadelphia Branch

The Greater Philadelphia Branch joined with Weaver’s Way Coop for a lively and informative session in late November 2017. Held at Weaver’s Way Mercantile, we gathered to learn more about the influence of lobbyists on our legislative process. Representative Chris Murphy, one of our newest progressive State Representatives, introduced Representative Greg Vitali from the 166^th (western suburbs of Philadelphia).

Representative Vitali is known as an environmental champion, and has been devoted to this cause since he was elected 13 terms ago. He shared highlights from his Marcellus Shale report and made the case for a ban on gifts (although he expressed doubt that would happen) and a greater transparency of money received by elected officials. He noted it took an intern many months to compile the info included in the report, and most citizens do not have the resources to do this kind of research.

Following the legislative report, Gayle Simons and Kay Lasker presented photos and stories from the tour of Dimock, PA, in the heart of Marcellus Shale country. Taken the previous year, the stories give evidence of the destruction of property and land, the harm to water and its effects on the people who are unable to drink from their own wells, and the harm to the communities being torn apart by broken promises and the chemical soup of fracking. (The van tour was made possible through a WILPF mini-grant).

Joining us that evening was Craig Stevens, who heard about the event and brought along his dirty water sample taken from his well. He explained that it is his calling to travel the States and tell the story of how fracking has ruined his community. Silenced by confidentiality agreements that are a part of financial deals the companies make with landowners, there is little left for the townspeople to do but let others spread the word of the harm being done. 

The evening hosted by Weaver’s Way Environmental Committee left us wanting to learn more about protecting the Delaware River Water Basin from fracking, and eager to make our calls to the governing body.

Contact: Tina Shelton 484-557-8534 or tinades@verizon.net