Barry Rascovar misses the point regarding why leaders like Del. Heather Mizeur want rigorous scientific studies before allowing fracking in Maryland (“Common-sense approach to fracking needed,” Sept. 28).

Her motivation is not selfish — she’s actually representing the wishes of Marylanders. A poll conducted last spring shows that 71 percent of Marylanders — regardless of political affiliation — say they want scientific studies before we allow fracking here.

Other states like Pennsylvania and West Virginia have rushed headlong into this modern-day gold rush without first weighing the risks against the benefits.

There are too many unknowns. What’s in the fracking fluid? The gas industry refuses to disclose which chemicals they use. Does fracking waste injection cause earthquakes? The U.S Geological Survey has linked more than 50 earthquakes in Oklahoma to wastewater injection, despite Mr. Rascovar’s denial of a connection.

We can’t ignore the horror stories from fracking-gone-bad in other states, and we need to know what’s at stake for our air, water and public health.

This isn’t pandering; it’s politics for the people — for all of us Marylanders, and for those generations who follow us. That is common sense.

Marie Pavlicek-Wehrli, Silver Spring