Fracking Brings More Harm to Texas Than Good

Texas has received the most rain in the month of May since June of 2004. This wonderful upsurge of heavy rainfall has brought Texas out of the "exceptional drought" category—the worst of the five classifications—that has persisted for the past three years. The rainfall has recharged many of Texas' aquifers, but it won't make much of a difference due to the burgeoning demand of water for hydraulic fracturing—for the method continues to dominate oil recovery across Texas. To make matters worse, Governor Greg Abbott has signed House Bill 40—giving the authority to regulate oil and gas operations to the state—in order to prohibit cities from banning fracking.

Hydraulic fracturing, also known as "fracking", is the process of injecting fluid underground at high pressures to fracture shale rocks to release natural gas and oil. This method of extracting oil creates many problems including pollution and the spread of toxins. 

Fracking involves a considerable amount of water compared to conventional drilling. Approximately 1-8 million gallons of water are needed to complete a single fracking. In light of this, Texas is bound to return to a shriveled, barren wasteland. 

This method of oil extraction does not only require a substantial amount of water, but it also requires the use of toxic chemicals that can contaminate surrounding water supplies. The result of this pollution can cause environmental and health hazards. Although fracking is a relatively new practice, there have been numerous reports of health problems in humans and animals in areas neighboring fracking sites. 

We must consider the long-term affects of fracking. Are the short-term benefits worth the long-term repercussions? Wouldn't our money be better spent on promoting clean energy, instead of jeopardizing our future by investing in methods hazardous to the lock, stock, and barrel?

Marriage Equality

Harold Cook, a political analyst, mentions the recent Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage on his blog—Letters From Texas. His commentary discusses how "un-American" members of the GOP are reacting to marriage equality given to the gay community. He speaks directly to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, US Senator Ted Cruz, and others that do not support the Supreme Court's ruling. 

Cook claims that that actions of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and US Senator Ted Cruz are un-American because they "run[] contrary to the Rule of Law" and are "destroy[ing] 212 years of American Constitutional scholarship." Cook references Marbury v. Madison case—a case that ruled that the Supreme Court has the ability to exercise judicial review—stating that the Supreme Court has the last say on how to interpret our Constitution.  

I concur with Cook when he says that members of the GOP are being "unpatriotic" and "un-American." Although they do not agree with the Supreme Court ruling, they should still abide by our laws. This controversial matter is mostly influenced by religious beliefs. I am in favor of exercising one’s religion freely, but it should not hinder the rights of others and their beliefs. Local government officials should not be supporting the idea of defying the federal government. They also should not try force their beliefs on others and deny others rights because of what they believe in. I believe the Supreme Court made the right decision concerning same-sex marriage. The Constitution guarantees us civil rights and civil liberties, if the Supreme Court had not chosen to grant same-sex marriage it would have infringed on those rights and liberties. 

Tax Decisions

An editorial by the San Antonio Express-News discusses amendments to Senate Bill 1 and House Bill 32 that will lower the state's tax revenue. Senate Bill 1 will increase the homestead exemption to $25,000—previously $15,000—and House Bill 32 will cut the business franchise tax by 25%. The author (unknown) is addressing taxpayers and wants to make sure they give some thought into Senate Bill 1 before voting in November. 

The author claims that voters will most likely vote in favor of Senate Bill 1 in order for homeowners to save a couple of bucks. The author also claims "the state's roads and schools remain perpetually underfunded." For this reason, homeowners should not vote in favor of the bill because the state doesn't have enough money to fund public goods as it is. The author references credible data from a 2009 report by the Texas Transportation Commission stating that $315 billion is needed to fund transportation through 2030. The author also implies that we should probably increase taxes to keep up with population growth. 

I agree with the author when he states that the homeowners should "sensibly vote 'no'" and that "the Legislature should consider rescinding its franchise tax cut." The population of Texas increases every day, so lowering taxes will make it harder for the government to provide public goods and services. Considering the petty amount Texans will save a year—approximately $120—I would rather we uphold the state's tax revenue rather than watch it dwindle with our state’s government.

Unemployment in Austin

According to an article by the Austin American-Statesman, the unemployment rate in Austin has risen for the month of June. The decline in state government jobs can be described as cyclic unemployment—a type of unemployment due to slow economic growth—and is to be expected while school is out for the summer. Fortunately, local employers have countered the decline by creating numerous jobs in the technology field.

It is constructive to keep up with the unemployment rate in order to avoid economic problems in the future. By keeping track of unemployment trends the government can ensure a stable economy and act before any unbalances.