I am relieved that DMME is taking comments regarding gas drilling and the issue of disclosing chemicals used in that process.

It would do the public no harm, and the citizens and communities a great service, if DMME were to require disclosure of such chemicals. Our neighbors in Pennsylvania and West Virginia are suffering from the bullying of the gas industry since Dick Cheney set up the loopholes to evade rules meant to protect us. It is an abuse of power.

I like the idea of identifying these additives with their Chemical Abstract Numbers. It needs to be posted in a public forum so we can access it, and emergency responders can access it too. It should be listed at least 72 hours in advance of use.

I would also like to voice my concerns on the expansion of drilling in this beautiful state. In Washington County our revenue is based on agriculture and tourism. Drilling negatively impacts such industries. Drilling is not appropriate here. DMME should not allow drilling  in any county that depends on the land for farming or outdoor recreation purposes. Natural areas are very environmentally sensitive, and drilling is destructive to such, whether in our mountains, farmlands or the sea.

Washington County has recreational opportunities along the rivers and holds a future potential for several parks. These should not be given over to drilling or any destruction.  The Tidewater area, Washington County, George Washington National Forest - all need protection. It's insane to drill there!  Energy can be obtained many ways. We cannot destroy our clean air, water and natural landscapes to allow one entity its short-sighted  “right” to drill. The sooner we wean from fossil fuels, the better off Virginia will be.

Thanks for all you do.