Above the Waterfall

Isn't that a beautiful little stream! The water in the stream here is completely isolated from that below because of the high waterfall. We could see fish in the stream here, and they are a pure strain of wild Colorado Cutthroat trout, a small and very important population. Because of these fish, this area will be preserved. However, there is great pressure to drill gas wells up on the plateau above. I worry about that. I can imagine all the roads that would have to be cut to get to the various drilling sites. Also, is it possible that drilling the wells not too far away could pollute this stream somehow?
Also notice the overhanging cliff and remember that it is oil-bearing shale. I am sure that you also remember the $4/gallon we were paying for gasoline, Our way of life requires more and more energy. We have gotten a lot of it from other countries, and now there is increasing pressure to exploit all the sources we have here at home. If people like me want to keep all this beautiful area wild, then are we hindering the development of our energy resources? Further questions: Should we drill off-shore in Florida? Should we drill on the north slope in Alaska, in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge? And, should we begin construction on new nuclear power plants? These questions haunt me......