Wyoming reporters are neglecting an important story related to the Environmental Protection Agency’s investigation into hydraulic fracturing and groundwater contamination around the town of Pavillion. So far they have failed to explore what the contamination means to the Wind River Indian Reservation tribes and their members.
Many reporters have noted that Pavillion is located near the reservation’s geographic center. But so far their stories have focused almost exclusively on possible sources of the contamination, the drinking water needs of Pavillion residents, and the EPA investigation. That is fine for The New York Times, whose readers may not care about ramifications of the contamination for tribes. But it is a serious oversight by the local press corps.
Even while reporters ignore the tribal angle, Congress is talking about it. Wyoming’s State Oil and Gas Supervisor Thomas E. Doll on Wednesday testified to a House subcommittee that “[g]round water on the Wind River Indian Reservation is (a) valuable resource for the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribal members and others who live on the Reservation.”
Wyoming reporters should follow Doll’s lead and explore what hydraulic fracturing and water contamination may mean for tribal interests in drinking water, ground water, and minerals.
anonymous
February 6, 2012
Somebody should do their homework: http://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/post/tribes-seek-greater-role-pavillion-investigation
Native News Watch
February 6, 2012
Thanks for the link. Despite my best efforts, I sometimes miss relevant stories. That was not the case here however, as the Wyoming Public Media story was not available when I posted. Check the dates. I posted on Feb. 5. Wyoming Public Media posted on Feb. 6.
That said, I am glad somebody is paying attention to this issue, and I am not surprised that person is reporter Tristan Ahtone. Mr. Ahtone consistently produces the best reporting on Native issues in Wyoming—which is pretty impressive given he lives and works hundreds of miles from the reservation, in Laramie.
Patrick
February 7, 2012
So, I’m curious – what do you think will happen? What are the possible outcomes, and which do you think are best for people on the reservation?
Thanks for taking on this story – you’re right, it’s been largely ignored.
Native News Watch
February 7, 2012
Thanks for the post. Unfortunately, I do not know enough about the tribes’ interests in the water and minerals at Pavillion to have a strong opinion about what may happen. I certainly do not presume to know what is best for the tribes. My point is merely that these issues are important, and journalists should be helping people and policy makers understand them. Thanks again for the post.