'Gasland' special screening July 20

COEUR d'ALENE - The public is invited to learn about chemical natural gas drilling - or "fracking" - during a special screening of "Gasland" at 7 p.m. July 20 at the Eagles club in Coeur d'Alene.

"The natural gas industry is currently trying to develop wells that use the controversial fracking technology in Idaho, and policy makers are scrambling to develop rules to regulate it," according to a press release. "The Idaho Conservation League is raising awareness about the practice of fracking with the showing of the award-winning film 'Gasland' around the state."

"Gasland" won an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Feature and the Sundance Film Festival's Special Jury Prize.

Fracking, also known as hydraulic fracturing, is the process of extracting natural gas by pumping chemicals, water and sand into the ground.

Recently, natural gas has been discovered in western Idaho and gas wells have already been drilled in Payette County and exploration wells are proposed for Washington and Gem Counties, according to the ICL.

The "Gasland" screening "is an opportunity for residents of the Inland Northwest to learn about the impacts fracking may have on our state."

Before the film, the Idaho Conservation League's Courtney Washburn will give a short talk. A question and answer period will follow the movie.

A $5 donation is suggested at the door.

Information: www.idahoconservation.org or (208) 265-9565