TAKE ACTION – Tell Congress to Force Disclosure of Toxic Drilling Chemicals

 

A controversial natural gas drilling technique is suspected of contaminating drinking water across the country, but more research cannot be done because the drilling companies won't disclose what toxic chemicals they are pumping into the ground. Congress is now considering legislation that would force drillers to disclose what chemicals they are using, but it needs our support against Big Oil and Gas.

Earthworks, a nonprofit advocate for more accountable and less destructive mining and drilling, has launched a campaign to pass the FRAC Act, a bill that would close the so-called "Halliburton loophole" in the Safe Drinking Water Act that allows oil and gas drillers to inject hazardous materials directly into or adjacent to underground drinking water supplies, with no accountability.

Hydraulic fracturing is used in more than 30 states, from New York to Wyoming. Known as "fracking," the process pumps fluids at extremely high pressure underground to create cracks though which natural gas can flow and be extracted. A loophole inserted in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 allows companies to keep secret what chemicals they use. Studies have identified a long list of toxics that may be included in these fracking fluids, and numerous cases of drinking water contamination have been documented.

States are struggling to fend off this powerful industry and regulate the process. Federal action is needed to bring drillers into compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act. Take a moment to tell your representatives that you want to know what secret chemicals might be threatening our drinking water.

(Brian Turnbaugh* 08/05/09)

Comments

Ban Fracking chemicals

Ban Fracking chemicals Now: Our environment will never be safe with toxic fracturing chemicals. For years these chemicals have likely been silently killing humans, wildlife and aquatic life. Cancer is likely the number one killer from toxins which have mutated the cells. Paint thinner solvents, acids, etc. are on the msds sheets for fracturing chemicals. Chronic effects?

No one will ever be safe as long as toxic chemicals are used for natural gas drilling. There are other drilling alternatives which must be used which will not destroy the environment but the private profiteers will have less in their bottom line. They don't care about you or I.

No Frac Act will protect you. It is a compromise. Ban any toxic fracturing chemical. There are safer drilling technologies. Better yet, go with solar, geothermal or a non renewable energy. Halliburton will find a way to get into those industries and make some clean profits. What is America waiting for, is the government going to put more value on humans, wildlife or aquatic life or will government again pat toxic chemicals on the hand and say you are not exempt.

so be careful, don't pollute. Besides if you do there is no regulatory official watching you. Please self report those toxic fracturing chemicals and keep making your profits and yes, split some of them with me, your elected official!

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