In a small town called Dimock, Pennsylvania, the impacts of fracking are still haunting its residents years later. Their water, once clear, has turned brown and is now considered undrinkable – and even flammable. As the national dialogue around fracking resurfaces amid the upcoming presidential election, Dimock grapples with the lasting consequences of a decision made over 15 years ago.
Dimock, a rural community of about 1,200 in northeast Pennsylvania, has been embroiled in a protracted struggle to restore its water supply. The problems began in 2009 when numerous gas wells were drilled nearby, aimed at tapping into what has been dubbed the “Saudi Arabia of gas.” The drilling activities, overseen by Texas-based Coterra, devastated the local water supply, rendering it toxic. Coterra was initially barred from the region and faced multiple felony charges in 2020 for its actions, but after negotiations with Pennsylvania’s Democratic leadership, the company has returned.
In the political sphere, candidates like Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are vying for the power of Pennsylvania voters, both asserting their support for fracking. “If she wins the election, fracking in Pennsylvania will end on day one,” Trump claimed during a recent debate, while Harris affirmed her commitment to the industry. This bipartisan support has left many Dimock residents feeling neglected, while their water remains contaminated and hazardous.
Resident Ray Kemble, a military veteran, expressed his frustration while sifting through a pile of documents chronicling the community’s battles. “Sure as hell, I’m not voting for either of those two,” Kemble said, explaining how the nearby gas drilling contaminated his water, transforming it from dark brown to a nauseating greenish-black. He described the odor as reminiscent of a toxic concoction, blaming his health issues, including significant tooth loss, on uranium and other harmful substances in the water.
Kemble is not alone in his anger. Victoria Switzer, an artist and former school teacher, echoes his discontent. “I like Kamala, but I was unhappy when she said she wouldn’t ban fracking,” she said, recounting how her water started bubbling after the wells were drilled. “People are held hostage by the fossil fuel industry here.”
While over 1.5 million Pennsylvanians live near gas extraction sites, not all are affected to the same degree. According to political analysts, the state’s crucial electoral votes mean candidates will avoid any moves that could threaten an industry employing about 16,000 people.
The issue of fracking in Pennsylvania remains politically complex, with recent polls reflecting divided opinions on the practice. Despite the risks, local residents feel abandoned by politicians who have made promises over the years, leading to a sense of betrayal. Kemble’s sentiment captures that frustration: “When a politician’s lips are moving, they are lying.”
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who once charged Coterra with felonies as attorney general, now finds himself criticized by residents for allowing the company to resume operations following a controversial settlement. Switzer lamented, “I wish I could retract my support for him. I would’ve called him a traitor if I’d known what was going to happen.”
Meanwhile, Coterra’s drilling activities are poised to resume, amid promises of a new water pipeline aimed at alleviating some of the residents’ suffering. However, given the track record of contamination, many remain skeptical about whether the pipeline will ever materialize.
As drilling resumes, the community faces the harsh reality of ongoing health risks and environmental degradation. “They are cutting up the valley like Swiss cheese,” Switzer remarked, pointing out that new drilling sites now infringe on the very land and quality of life they once cherished.
In the midst of all this turmoil, Kemble has started a new chapter by donating his home to a research nonprofit aimed at testing the area for contamination. “I’m tired of all the bullshit,” he said, emphasizing his desire for answers and a chance for change as he prepares to leave Dimock behind.
As the election approaches and the political narrative around fracking continues to unfold, the struggles of Dimock’s residents remain a stark reminder of the real-life consequences of energy policy and corporate practices in rural America.
