We can’t drink oil, so let’s move on

THE PEOPLE overwhelmingly do not want our land and water sold out for fracking near Rio Rancho — or any urban development for that matter. As downriver dwellers here in Albuquerque, we have a vested interest in stopping this project and creating a strong ordinance against any fracking near our cities. Why are we electing officials so quick to sell off our land and water for their interests? Why are they continuing on with the death train of fossil-fuel development when the gold mines of solar and wind are at our fingertips? The health effects of fracking have been widely documented. Air and water pollution. Oil spills. Water sources destroyed.

Water is more precious than oil and gas. We cannot drink oil. Our high-desert, fragile watershed is the beleaguered, polluted Rio Grande/Chama and dwindling aquifer. It will not recover from the millions of gallons used to purify the deadly cocktail of chemicals used for fracking.

If we must be sold out for the commissioners’ monied interests, let it be for something that will not kill our water and health. Corrupt commissioners follow the money. Commissioners with integrity listen to the people’s heart.

Recently ... I visited the Rio Rancho Council Chambers (and) I sat in silence, observing the beautiful symbols and inscriptions that bind that room to New Mexico’s culture of cherishing and caring for the land, water and her communities.

We have a cloud of witnesses — children and creaturely communities surrounding us. They are looking at us with eyes of the future, asking us what we will do now to preserve their lives. ANITA AMSTUTZ Albuquerque