Frostburg Focus- A student presentation

Focus Frostburg 2012

by Kate Molander

            Focus Frostburg was an event held on April 18^th at Frostburg State University by FSU’s Learning Green, Living Green Committee. Megan Spindler, a junior wildlife major and FSU was the speaker for the “Out of the Classroom, Into the Field: Interning for the Chesapeake Climate Action Network.” Megan Spindler interned at the Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) which works to protect the environment and raise awareness in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. According to the Focus Frostburg pamphlet, CCAN is “the first grassroots, nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to fighting global warming.”

            The key message of Spindler’s presentation was the risks of Hydraulic Fracturing. Hydraulic Fracturing is a mining technique that drills holes up to 10,000 feet and brings up gases and slick-water. The slick-water is then stored in lake sized holes in the ground (with or without linings) which leads to toxins easily leaking into the soil. “Maryland is concerned that ‘fracking’ could contaminate drinking water and cause damage to eco tourism,” says Spindler, “CCAN is dedicated solving this problems.”

            In 2011, CCAN worked to pass a bill that would halt the permit application process until the impacts of fracking were studied and understood. Unfortunately, the bill did not make it through the committees and was not passed. Spindler states, “Chesapeake and I would like to see fracking completely stop.”

            Spindler got involved in CCAN through an internship that was introduced to her by her teacher. After some thought, Spindler decided to apply to the internship and was soon busy with the work she was given to complete. CCAN looked for an FSU student to fill the internship position because they would be closer to the area. “We are the ones that are here and may be making the future decisions for this place,” says Spindler. Her responsibilities were researching backgrounds on the issues and lawmakers as well as taking care of communication through blogs, student letters, letters to the editor, as well as phone banking (also known as phone soliciting). “Yes, I was that person interrupting everybody’s dinner” she adds with an apologetic sigh. Spindler also worked on many fact sheets that were presented to the senators during lobbying. Although it was a lot of work, Spindler says she learned a lot and enjoyed her time at the internship. This was, however, her last year, so anyone interesting in participating in the internship in the following semesters should visit www.chesapeakeclimate.org.

            Although CCAN has been unable to pass the bills they have sent to congress, they have not given up and will continue to try until the bills are passed and more awareness on these environmental issues has been raised. If you would like even more information on how to help with the environmental law side of the issue, visit www.choosemaryland.org. The best way to help our environment and save the future of the world is to get involved and keep raising awareness.