Simon,
Thanks for linking this here for everyone. This is a local issue (central PA) for me that can't be publicized enough in my opinion. I had not seen the NYT piece & especially liked the interactive map. It amazes me every day the lack of concern or attention this get's in the local press / news outlets here. Every now and then there will be something - but it passes quickly, and is forgotten. Those that stand to make obscene amounts of money from this have bought the necessary politicians to keep any roadblocks from slowing their progress.
Just as with the oil industry - there is no chance that the average resident can do anything to stop them. And with the price of oil climbing higher based on speculation - the federal govt. has no intention of slowing their retoric on "home grown fuel independence". The wonderfull state of PA is one of only a few affected that does not have a sufficient Tax / regulations in place to protect from the "gold rush" type atmosphere which currently exists. In fact recent efforts will make sure that some previously protected state lands will be available for drilling in the future.
The money to be made with the leases is such that most landowners can not resist the temptation, especially since many have been fighting off forclosure. And the off-shoot boost to local economies has most locals looking the other way to the negatives as their stores and restaurants, and businesses profit from the workers and company's that are doing the work to create and manage the drill sites.
I love this state and there are so many beautifull places, natural places here along rivers and streams that wind through the valleys. It makes me very sad to think of what the whole NG industry is going to do to change the landscape over the course of the next 3, 4, 5 decades.
Dean