Fracking Documentary Will Air Tonight at EAHS

Nick Henshue says he doesn't have an opinion on natural gas drilling, but not because he isn't versed on the subject - just the opposite. The more he researches it, the more he can see both the drawbacks and the benefits, Henshue said. 

“It is giving people great jobs, but at what cost,” he said. “There are a lot of benefits to it and a lot of downfalls.”

He's hoping to get other people thinking about it as well.  

That's why the Environmental Club at -- where Henshue teaches environmental science -- has teamed up with the Bushkill Stream Conservancy  for a free screening of the movie Gasland at 6:30 tonight in the high school auditorium.

The Academy Award Nominated movie “details some of the methods and hazards of gas drilling and hydraulic fracturing (fracking) methods,” explained Henshue. The methods are used to extract natural gas from within the deep rock formations across the United States. 

“It is considered a must see film by both critics and scientists alike,” Henshue said. “Anyone living in the Delaware or Susquehanna River Basins - or receiving their drinking water from then - should consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of natural gas drilling to our economy, environment and water supplies.” 

Following the movie, Henshue has organized a discussion panel that includes a geologist, watershed specialist and a natural gas drilling specialist. He said he wants people to bring their questions, concerns and comments for the group.  

Linda Iudicello, a member of the Bushkill Stream Conservancy, said she hasn't seen the movie, and looks forward to learning more about the subject.  

“I'm glad the Bushkill Stream Conservancy is part of this event. Our mission is to educate,” Iudicello said. “We're not trying to make up somebody's mind, just trying to give them more information.” 

Iudicello said that she was taught as a child that the more versed a person is on a subject, then the better he or she can decide which side to stand on. At this time, she doesn't have an opinion on the issue, because she doesn't know enough about it to make a decision. 

The idea for the public showing came up after he showed the film to his students. Their responses were strong. Some wondered why they haven't heard more about the Marcellus Shale drilling. For others, it raised strong concern about the fracking waters flow into the Delaware River and into their drinking water supply. One thing was for sure, they wanted their parents to see the movie, too, Henshue said.  

“The whole goal of environmental education is to teach the kids how to think, not what to think,” Henshue said. 

Gasland was produced by Pennsylvania native Josh Fox in 2009. It's about the gas drilling, but Fox doesn't tell people what their opinion should be, Henshue explained. This is why he used it in class. Now, the public has an opportunity to see it for themselves too. 

“It's a tool to open up conversation,” Iudicello said. “I think we should be able to get a conversation going and to give them a broader view on the subject.”