An Ohio University class is trying to spread anti-hydraulic fracturing awareness among students by relating its potential effects to one of their favorite beverages: beer.
The project began in professor Austin Babrow’s communication studies class, but Babrow said he said hopes it grows into increased awareness about hydraulic fracturing, a controversial drilling practice.
“I advertise the class as one about communication activism and how it’s used in the Democratic process and grassroots situations, so we decided to focus on fracking,” Babrow said. “Our goal is to do an experimental movement and find out the effects of fracking in Athens.”
Since the movement is completely run by students, Babrow said he decided to focus the campaign — called Save the Ales OU: The End is Near — on beer because it is relevant to students.
“What’s more important to students than beer?” Babrow said. “Sure, it’s not the only important thing, but in college it’s pretty important to some students.”
The group has turned to Facebook and Twitter to get the word out to OU students, said Austin Stahl, a sophomore studying journalism and a former Post writer.
“We are trying to educate students by posting informative articles and providing some commentary to help students make the connection and see what could happen if fracking came to Athens,” Stahl said.
Since fracking has been linked to groundwater contamination in the past, Stahl said some local breweries such as Jackie O’s Pub & Brewery, could be at risk.
“Local breweries like Jackie O’s could be forced to move or go out of business if their water source became contaminated,” he said. “Breweries in New York have warned of this occurring if they frack in the area.”
The problem lies with the fact that beer is 95 percent water, so contaminated water could easily affect local beer, said Brad Clark, brewmaster at Jackie O’s, 24 W. Union St.
“If our water source is messed up, the beer will taste (terrible) or we’ll have to treat our water to such a high degree that it won’t work or taste right,” Clark said.
“Basically, if the water source is severely compromised, then the quality will suffer.”
In the past, Jackie O’s has allowed anti-fracking groups to hold fundraisers or speakers in the bar, but Clark said they do not typically work alongside the groups.
“In the past, (fracking) hasn’t affected us that much, but over time, it will only get worse,” he said. “It would be great if (fracking) just didn’t happen, that would be ideal, but I don’t think the end is near, near.”
In addition to spreading awareness through social media, the Save the Ales campaign is planning a benefit concert at Casa Nueva in January that will feature several bands, activists and speakers to teach about the effects of fracking, Babrow said.
“I’d love to see (the campaign) go viral, but that’s not something we can really control,” Babrow said. “We’re definitely starting to see some uptake from students and people in the community, but it’s at the earliest stage.”
This article was updated from its original form to correct a misattribution in the final quote of the article.
az346610@ohiou.edu
