Fracking is a huge environmental and human threat. Why does Obama support it?

[Drahthaardogs]

50. Federal Royalties are 12% on new gas leases.

That is by law. It is regulated by actual federal employees who check the meters regularly. I disagree that theft is common place. From my experience doing environmental work in the big fields out west on public lands, it is not.

Personally, I like and use energy and natural gas is quite a bit cleaner than coal or even nuclear in many ways. While all energy extraction carries risk, it could be mitigated. Directional drilling from one pad location to reach all downhole locations on a given lease are not only technologically doable, they should be mandated.

In addition, Chinese steel should be outlawed on federal lands. It is good environmental practice (safer product) and good domestic business (producing steel at home). I never understood the philosophy that pollution over China stays over China. I would rather see the products made here with good (albeit never perfect) environmental regulations where they could produce good manufacturing jobs.

Big business again buying inferior products and drilling on taxpayer's lands utilizing state water resources. I find the whole "JUST SAY NO" stance to be pointless. I much prefer a pragmatic "Yes, you can drill, but you need to do it the best way possible" to be a much better scenario.

In addition, we should be demanding big oil and gas operators build proper infrastructure. Those who oppose properly built pipelines do not seem to realize that the alternative is trucking. More than 1 gas field have achieved Title V Air status due to the trucking. Pipelines are preferable.

Unfortunately, so many people think they understand that which they do not, e.g. those who think diesel is a more dangerous product than gasoline environmentally speaking. They just do not know.