Abstract:
The second story in the series on fracking in North Carolina (first story in May 11, 2011 issue). Private landowners are signing one-sided contracts with exploration companies searching for natural gas. Under these contracts, private citizens will earn less than citizens in other states where fracking is common. Additionally, the private landowners will be liable for the cost of cleanup in the case of environmental disasters, fines for zoning and land use violations, and other legal fees. These fees will likely cost them more than they will make from the royalties on their land.