I recognize that natural gas is an important source of energy, but we have to make sure it's extracted safely. The current system grants a loophole to companies involved in hydraulic fracturing (or "fracking") by exempting them from compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act.
We can meet our energy needs without polluting our water and our communities. Passing the FRAC Act (HR 2766) is the first step.
Sign the Petition!
On Wednesday, the EPA enacted new regulations concerning hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and air pollution. While any progress is good, I see two points which diminish the reasons to celebrate.
The first reason is that the EPA chose a low hurdle, one which many of the oil and gas producers already meet:
many producers already use “green completion” methods to prevent gas from escaping their wells.
“Because they rely on technologies and practices that are already in use by many companies and required by some states, the standards are practical, flexible, affordable and they're achievable,” said Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator of EPA's office of air and radiation.
The second is that, in my opinion, water contamination is by far the bigger of the two pollutants associated with fracking. Energy companies who employ fracking are exempted from the Safe Drinking Water Act.
In response to this EPA regulation, Representative Diana DeGette has upped the ante with the FRAC Act - HR 2766. This bill was introduced more than a year ago, and unfortunately it died in committee. This recent move by the EPA has led Rep. DeGette to resurrect the FRAC Act, and give it new life via an online petition. I hope you'll consider signing it.
UPDATE: In retrospect, I see that the title word "Introduces" is a misnomer. "Reintroduces" or "Resurrects" might have been a better choice.
While Rep. DeGette is no longer my Congresswoman, she's gained a lifelong ally in me. You'd be hard pressed to find another Representative who is as responsive to the needs and concerns of her constituents. I once wrote to her with my concerns that out of state investors in medical marijuana facilities could be in violation of the RICO act, and she wrote back within two weeks, enumerating the committees which she was a member of and specifying the exact legislature which she had introduced or supported which would have addressed this. She is an extremely effective member of Congress who gets the job done. I will go to the mat for her any day.