The Hidden Costs of Oil, Gas, and Plastic: A Journey Through the First Episode of Exposure
Welcome to the inaugural episode of Exposure, where hosts Jill Hunkler and Stuart Day peel back the layers of the oil, gas, and plastic industries to reveal the often unseen and devastating impacts they have on our communities, environment, and way of life.
A Deeply Personal Journey
Jill Hunkler, a mother and seventh-generation Ohio Valley resident, opens the episode by sharing her internal struggle—balancing the desire to uplift and motivate others with the harsh realities of living on the front lines of oil and gas development. For over a decade, Jill has been resisting sharing the truth about these industries, despite experiencing their negative impacts firsthand. Her journey began when she noticed the encroachment of these industries into her small, idyllic town, and quickly realized that something had to be done.
Jill’s story is not just about the destruction of landscapes or the inconvenience of increased industrial traffic. It’s about the very real, very personal loss of her home—built with her own hands, in harmony with her heritage and nature. Forced to flee due to the health impacts of fracking operations near her property, Jill became a refugee in her own land. Her story is a powerful reminder of the human cost of these industries, which often goes unnoticed or ignored by the broader public.
The Reality of Fracking: Beyond the Surface
Stuart Day, a small business owner and organic farmer from Western Pennsylvania, joins Jill in sharing his own experiences. Stuart recounts the shock and helplessness he felt when a train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed just seven miles from his farm in East Palestine Ohio. Like many in his community, Stuart initially relied on underwhelming official sources for information, only to find out later, through social media and local networks, just how dangerous the situation was.
Both Jill and Stuart emphasize the speed and secrecy with which these industries operate. Fracking operations can transform a landscape in mere weeks, leaving communities like Jill’s and Stuart’s reeling from the rapid changes. They also discuss the environmental and health hazards associated with fracking, including the contamination of water supplies and the release of toxic chemicals and radioactive waste.
The Role of Community Science
One of the most poignant themes of this episode is the importance of community science. When official channels failed to provide adequate information or protection, Jill and Stuart took matters into their own hands. Jill describes how she, along with scientists and researchers, conducted air and water quality studies to gather data and hold the industry accountable. This grassroots approach to science empowered them and their communities to fight back, armed with empirical evidence.
Stuart’s farm became one of the sites where Jill and her team conducted tests following the East Palestine train derailment. This became the bedrock between the two hosts friendship and highlights the power of community science in exposing the truth and advocating for change. It’s a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming challenges, individuals and communities can act and make a difference.
A Call to Action
As the episode progresses, Jill and Stuart reflect on their motivations for launching Exposure. They express a shared commitment to revealing the full costs of these industries—not just in terms of environmental damage, but also in terms of human health, economic impacts, and the way these industries are subsidized by public funds. They argue that if more people understood the true costs, there would be a greater push to shift away from these toxic industries.
Jill’s final thoughts resonate deeply: despite the harsh truths, there is always hope and an opportunity to find something good. This podcast, she explains, is not just about exposing the negative, but also about finding the light and moving towards solutions that uplift and sustain life for future generations.
What to Expect in Future Episodes
In future episodes of Exposure, listeners can look forward to in-depth discussions with experts in environmental law, science, and policy. Jill and Stuart will delve into the complex web of corruption, subsidies, and regulatory failures that enable these industries to continue their harmful practices. They will also explore the connections between fracking, plastic production, and the broader impacts on health and the environment.
This first episode sets the stage for a powerful and enlightening journey—a journey that challenges us all to question the industries that shape our world and to seek out the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it may be.
As Bob Marley's mother used to say, "Guidance and protection." Exposure aims to provide both as we navigate these crucial issues together. Stay tuned for upcoming episodes as we continue to shine a light on the hidden costs of oil, gas, and plastic.
For more information and to learn how to take action, visit https://www.ohiovalleyallies.org/
Citations for claims made in episode One
Fracking water contamination and permanent removal from the water cycle
Radioactivity and chemical contamination from fracking wastewater
Clean Air Act violations and improper flare functioning continuing after remediation in
Fracking-related health impacts in Dimock, PA and Southwestern Pennsylvania
Fracking water withdrawals during droughts in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia
Concerns about increased accidents and roadway safety
reservoirs, including Reservoir No. 3, serve as the primary drinking water supply for the village of Barnesville
All content presented in this podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes and reflects the informed opinions, personal experiences, and perspectives of the hosts and guests. While we strive to present accurate and well-researched information, the views expressed may include personal interpretations of the topics discussed. We encourage listeners to explore further information and form their own conclusions. Any references to specific organizations, individuals, or events are based on publicly available information and/or personal anecdotes and are not intended to misrepresent or harm any entity or person. This podcast is protected under the First Amendment, and we stand by our right to engage in open, good-faith discussions on matters of public concern
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