Date: Mon, 16 Dec 2013 10:27:01 -0500
From: “John R Dykers”
Subject: Development post from Carole Henry
“heard an interesting story of a woman who fought a rather large corporation who tried to take away her land to build a big plant and housing development. Her property had been in her family for generations. She fought the local politicians and a large corp. and WON.”
THIS is the really crucial use of “eminent domain” as greatly misused in Kelso case in New London Conn. when private property was condemned to be turned over to a private enterprise on the grounds that the new use would generate increased tax revenue.
Mineral rights are surely important too so be careful when you buty or sell property. “Fracking” is a complicated combination of dangerous and rewarding. When we invent a new technology, it takes a bit of adjusting and the last institutions to adjust are the law and the church.
When oil drilling first began, a slant well to snitch oil out from under a neighbor was as evil as horse thievery! New computer guided techniques allow horizontal drilling to harvest oil/gas from a mile or two aroung a single well head. There are obvious ecological improvements as well as dangers and the Bracken oil field in the Dakotas is making us energy independent from imported oil. That is a definite benefit. Add Solar, Wind and other renewable sources of power and we may all still be able to drive to the grocery store, find groceries there, and be able to cook it when we are back home with the lights on and the house warm in winter and cool in summer.
The water table, uncontaminated, is a crucial consideration. Use wisely and protect carefully.
John Dykers