Seminars on fracking scheduled at Urbana church

URBANA — A seminar series titled, "Hydraulic Fracturing in Illinois: Energy Boon or Environmental Boondoggle?" will be held on three consecutive Sundays.

From 10:45 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 7, 14 and 21 at First Presbyterian Church of Urbana, 602 W. Green St., the seminar series will give a forum to all sides of the current discussion. The event is sponsored by the First Presbyterian Earth Care Team.

The schedule:

— Oct. 7: Michael Podolsky, petroleum geologist and manager of Podolsky Oil Co. Seminar title: "There is No 'K' in Fracing ... Or Why Hydraulic Fracturing Is Good For You (and Has Been for 60 Years)."

— Oct. 14: C. Pius Weibel, senior geologist, Illinois State Geological Survey of the Prairie Resources Institute. Weibel also serves on the Illinois EPA's Groundwater Advisory Council, which evaluates and makes recommendations regarding state laws, regulations and procedures that relate to groundwater protection. He also is the Democratic chairman of the Champaign County Board. Seminar title: "The Basic Science behind Hydraulic Fracturing."

— Oct 21: Brian Sauder, director of Faith in Place, an environmental advocacy group that has partnered with more than 900 congregations in Illinois to help them be better stewards of the earth. Seminar title: "Fracking: Environmental Implications for Rural and Urban Illinois."

The series is free and open to the public. Those who wish to attend should email the church office at office@FirstPresUrbana.org [2] or call 367-8357. Include the dates you plan to attend and if you will want child care.