Gatherings focused on the burgeoning shale-drilling industry are cropping up in increasing numbers.

Some seek the scientific knowns and unknowns of the process in which millions of gallons of chemical-laced water are forced into shale formations to release trapped gas and oil. Some aim to stop drilling altogether.

And, some are taking a next step, and focusing on how to influence law, policy and regulations on drilling.  That’s what’s happening here, in Channing Hall, across from Youngstown’s historic Wick Park.Ben Shapiro  of the Sierra Club is talking to the gathering of several hundred.  “New York State passed a moratorium on fracking, and the first step was twenty four small towns banning it.  We can do that here.”