Perhaps the most level-headed (if you can say that) of the so-called environmental groups in existence in the U.S. is the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF). They have shown time and again that although they have issues with oil and gas drilling, they’re realists. Instead of simply trying to ban drilling because it’s a dirty, nasty fossil fuel, they want to work to make oil and natural gas extraction cleaner. This is not an MDN endorsement of the EDF or their policies–it’s simply stating facts. Most environmental groups are unreasonable–meaning you can’t reason with them. Most have a twisted worldview that all fossil fuels must be stopped as soon as possible (immediately would not be too soon for them, although they themselves hypocritically use fossil fuels every day). The vast majority of eco-groups are fringe and agenda-driven. The EDF stands almost alone amidst the eco-insanity. So they’ve become a target.
A pack of rabidly left-leaning groups and individuals has turned on the EDF because the EDF has endorsed and is participating in the Center for Sustainable Shale Development (CSSD, see Important: Drillers & Enviros Form New Group, Launch Cert Program for background). A list of 68 environmental groups and individuals sent a letter to EDF yesterday (see it below) shunning them, like an errant Amish child who’s left the faith. They’ve told the EDF “you don’t speak for us” when it comes to fracking. Why? Because EDF participation in the CSSD lends credibility to hated fossil fuels. Fossil fuels lead to mythical climate change and we can’t have the climate a changin’, ya know…
