A thank-you note from DISH, TX

By CALVIN TILLMAN

As I return from almost a full week touring the Marcellus Shale, I reflect on all the people I met for the first time. These folks welcomed me into their homes as though I was a lifelong friend or family member.

It was purely amazing how many people traveled across snow-packed roads and got up early on Saturday morning to let me share our story. Also, there were dozens of public officials who opened their minds to listen to me speak. And even those who did not share my views were respectful and courteous. Even those who asked the hard questions, which I welcomed, were respectful.

I was further impressed by the convictions of my new friends in their cause. Many had turned down the opportunity for vast fortunes, and chose not to climb into bed with the energy company landsmen. I am not sure that I have ever met such a large group of unselfish people in my life, willing to forgo money to hang on to their way of life.

My main purpose for this trip was to let people know that there is more to natural gas exploration than a signing bonus and a monthly royalty check. It had been my hope to allow folks to make a decision with their eyes wide open. I think some began to think twice after listening to the story of the town that was sacrificed for the good of the shale. There are others that only look for the one thing that can give them a reason to say “it won’t happen here.” For those, it would not have mattered what I would have said.

Another reason for wanting to take this tour was to see with my own eyes how others were being affected by the shale boom. If this extraction of natural gas is going to take place, it must at least be tightly regulated. However, some of my new friends don’t believe that it is possible to hydro-frack safely even with the tightest regulations. After visiting Dimock, PA, it is hard to argue with their position.

I got to meet the lady whose water well exploded, and tears filled my eyes when I heard the story told by another lady whose children would get sick after drinking the water from their once clean water well. I saw the tainted water from another poisoned well, and frankly, was not prepared for the emotions felt when we delivered fresh water to a family that had been refused this right by the drilling company. Cabot Oil and Gas has essentially turned this small neighborhood into a third-world country, and won’t even show those they are poisoning the courtesy of delivering water to them.

I have never been to a place where I received such a warm reception. Though I missed my family something terrible, I was saddened to have to leave such a clean and beautiful place, and return to the dirty ole town.

I can now see why my new friends want to maintain their clean air and clean water, and I hope to help them do it. I am glad to say that I will be returning to the Marcellus Shale in April, to complete my tour and see my new friends again. Thanks again for accepting that crazy mayor from Texas into your homes and lives. I hope it was as good for you as it was for me.

(Calvin Tillman is the mayor of DISH, TX.)