Your June 4th article "Leaseholders Sue Drilling Challengers" revealed the motives of those filing this counter lawsuit. Ironically, all the words used to describe the action of the parents listed on the lawsuit challenging the Middlesex zoning ordinance, "a sham, malicious and the misuse of the legal process" are an accurate description of their own actions in this case. One of their goals seems to be to subject the defendants to an expensive and time consuming experience in order to dissuade them from appealing the Middlesex Zoning Hearing Board's decision, which supports an ordinance permitting drilling and its supporting structures in most of Middlesex Township. These type of lawsuits are meant to discourage present and future opposition. Attempts to deter our first amendment right to free speech is what makes them dangerous.
Their other goal seems to be to make sure they profit from their leases with the gas industry so they accuse the defendants of "disseminating false, misleading and inflammatory" information. Nothing could be farther from the truth. The defendants and members of the Mars Parent Group have been careful not to say anything that is not supported by research. There are potential health impacts from unconventional gas drilling and its infrastructure, especially to children whose respiratory systems and immune systems are still developing. Serious explosions have happened requiring evacuations; water has been contaminated in some places and air pollution is also a real problem. More people need to speak up and support these parents who are protecting their children and call out those who are making false accusations.
D.A.
Their other goal seems to be to make sure they profit from their leases with the gas industry so they accuse the defendants of "disseminating false, misleading and inflammatory" information. Nothing could be farther from the truth. The defendants and members of the Mars Parent Group have been careful not to say anything that is not supported by research. There are potential health impacts from unconventional gas drilling and its infrastructure, especially to children whose respiratory systems and immune systems are still developing. Serious explosions have happened requiring evacuations; water has been contaminated in some places and air pollution is also a real problem. More people need to speak up and support these parents who are protecting their children and call out those who are making false accusations.
D.A.
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