On October 29 of this year American Whitewater posted a report on a temproary halt in plans to drill for gas in the environmentally sensitive Breaks Interstate Park. As mentioned in that report, this effort was brought to our attention by Lexington attorney and long time AW activist, Brent Austin who recently forwarded this letter (excerpted) from the Kentucky House of Representatives.
"Thank you for your inquiry pertaining to signatures received on our petition drive for Breaks Park. The last time that I checked the tally we had an excess of 7,500 signatures. We still are receiving signed petitions weekly. I am so proud of our effort and the unified voice with which we spoke. I commend you on your relentless support of this critical issue. On behalf of Breaks Park, we will now look into purchasing the remaining property, thus preventing any other ‘wildcat’ plans to develop or drill. Sincerely, W. Keith Hall, State Representative."
That this issue might never have arisen had the offer to purchase mineral rights not been declined in the original sale of this property cannot be ignored, however; this only underscores the effective power of a concerned generation confronted with ancestral oversight. So next time you see Brent on the river say thanks, and next time you see petitions at an American Whitewater booth, don’t think your signature won’t count.