Community Corner

Local Food & Water Watch Campaign to Focus on Fracking, Genetically-Engineered Food

The Washington-based nonprofit, Food & Water Watch, will discuss ways to protect Oakland County's water and food resources during a special meeting Thursday at the Birmingham Unitarian Church.

Are you worried what fracking may be doing to the local water tables? Do you research genetically-engineered food before going to the grocery store?

If so, you'll want to check out the kick-off event for Food & Water Watch's southeast Michigan campaign, happening this Thursday at the Birmingham Unitarian Church, located just north of Big Beaver on Woodward in Bloomfield Hills.

"We don't pick the easy fights, but we are committed to working with and supporting concerned and passionate citizens," a press release from the non-profit says.

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"We look forward to bringing like-minded people together to not only provide an overview of these two urgent campaigns, but also to draw connections, build strong relationships, and brainstorm so that we can collectively work across Southeast Michigan to take action on these issues."

Based in Washington D.C., Food & Water Watch was founded in 2005 and advocates for "common sense policies that will result in healthy, safe food and access to safe and affordable drinking water."

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On the agenda this Thursday will be the labeling of genetically engineered food as well as — and perhaps even more importantly for Oakland County residents —  fracking, the process used to extract natural gas from underground shale beds.

"This risky method is quickly spreading across Michigan and threatens the air we breathe, water we drink, communities we love and the climate upon which we all depend," the group notes.

Though the issue of fracking hasn't yet touched Birmingham, it's a heated issue around Oakland County. At the end of February, newly-elected Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash led a panel discussion on fracking at the West Bloomfield Township Hall.

"This emerging issue is an important one for our region, and my office will hold these kinds of meetings around the county so that our residents can be informed and learn about topics that can affect our quality of life," Nash said.

Last May, Traverse City's Jordan Development Group purchased several thousand acres in state mineral rights thoughout Oakland County, spurring West Bloomfield Township to pass a resolution banning drilling for oil and natural gas.

Meanwhile in September 2012, around 100 county residents turned out for a town hall meeting on fracking in Pontiac.

"I don't think we can rely on the current state government, or frankly, the future government to (stop fracking)," said LuAnne Kozma, campaign director for the Committee to Ban Fracking, at the time. "It's a power that we, the people, have and we need to do this for ourselves and future generations."

The Food & Water Watch event starts at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. For more information, visit www.foodandwaterwatch.org.

What do you think about fracking? Are you worried about genetically-engineered food?


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