I applaud the decision by the Chatham County Board of Commissioners to extend the moratorium on oil and gas development in the county and the possibility of banning fracking altogether, as explained in the article “Chatham County Extends Moratorium on Oil and Gas Development.” This temporary prohibition speaks to the ability of this state that I know and love to look beyond the appeal of money and instead work toward a healthy and prosperous future.
It is imperative that we move away from oil and gas to move toward renewable sources of energy if we hope to fully protect our environment and the health of our children. At this very moment, colleges and universities across the country are pledging to transition to 100 percent renewable energy; as sites of massive energy use, it is their responsibility to do so in order to protect the futures of their students.
The moratorium is an incredible accomplishment, and I hope that fracking will be banned in the county altogether and that colleges and universities will take the lead to move to 100 percent renewable energy.
Audrey Davis, Charlotte
