Democratic Members Advocate Comprehensive Approach to Hydraulic Fracturing Research
(Washington, DC) – Today, the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology’s Subcommittees on Environment and Energy held a joint hearing titled, “Lessons Learned: EPA’s Investigations of Hydraulic Fracturing” to examine the conduct of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in its investigation of the relationship between hydraulic fracturing and groundwater contamination.
The EPA has a critical role as a scientific organization to seek answers to the tough, complex questions related to hydraulic fracturing. The agency is responsible for investigating whether hydraulic fracturing is contaminating groundwater in some parts of the country through a comprehensive analytical assessment that relies on research, observation, and sound science. This research is necessary to identify potential groundwater impacts, and serves as a critical tool for answering the questions raised by many impacted communities around the country. Democratic Members engaged the witness panel in a discussion on the need to ensure a thorough examination of hydraulic fracturing impacts.
Subcommittee on Environment Ranking Member Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) said, “Our surface and groundwater resources are under tremendous strain throughout the country. Population expansion, residential and industrial development, droughts, and limited precipitation not seen before in some areas of the country have all contributed to this strain. These circumstances make access to clean water and the EPA’s study even more important. If we want to enjoy the advantages and economic benefits of shale gas development, we must do so with the highest regard for safety and the protection of our precious water resources. State, federal, and tribal leaders, in addition to Americans all over the country are alarmed about whether their drinking water is at risk, and they deserve answers to their questions.”
Democratic Members also cautioned against inadequately studying the impacts of hydraulic fracturing. Subcommittee on Energy Ranking Member Eric Swalwell (D-CA) stated, “We have to be careful that we extract this resource safely, without unintended, serious consequences to either our health or the environment. It would be very short-sighted to produce energy via fracking only to find out later that it caused damage. There is simply no place for politics when it comes to making sure that the water that our families rely on is safe, and the homes that we live in are not at risk of a man-made disaster.”
Ranking Member of the Full Committee, Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) said in her opening remarks, “Concerns about contamination of groundwater and drinking water have troubled us since the shale gas boom started over a decade ago. We must be careful not to sacrifice the quality of our natural water resources for the sake of cheaper gas. We need clean water as much as we need affordable energy options. Our water resources are already stretched to support our industrial and agricultural sectors, and residential and commercial development. We cannot afford to contaminate the limited drinking water supplies that we have. It is in the best interest of everyone, especially the fracking industry, to resolve questions surrounding the fracking water cycle and the impact to groundwater and drinking water. Americans have a right to clean water and a healthier environment. The gas will be there, and it is up to the industry to make sure it can be produced in an environmentally sound manner.”
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