Democrats Highlight Public Health Concerns related to Fracking and Advocate for Local Communities’ Rights
(Washington, DC) – Today, the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee held a hearing titled, “Hydraulic Fracturing: Banning Proven Technologies on Possibilities Instead of Probabilities.” The Majority’s stated purpose of the hearing was “to examine the science behind claims that hydraulic fracturing causes groundwater contamination and other environmental concerns.”
Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) said in her opening statement, “This hearing is advertised as being about the science of fracking, but the Majority’s witnesses consist of a state economic regulation and development official, a representative of a firm that was set up to run public relations for the fracking industry, and a scientist who has been paid by one of the largest fracking firms in the country. That does not sound like a promising panel to honestly examine scientific questions. Looking at the Majority’s hearing materials and testimony, it is clear this is a hearing designed to give a platform for the fracking industry to attack those who question the safety of practices within that industry. In particular, there is a focus on undermining local communities that are considering, or perhaps have adopted, limits or bans on fracking.”
Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) both pointed out the irony of the fact that multiple witnesses invited by the Majority have deep ties, including financial, to the oil and gas industry, but these same witnesses criticized research studies supported in part by advocacy groups in their testimony. The oil and gas industry has a long and well-documented history of funding research studies to cater to their own interests.
The witness selected by the Minority was Mr. Elgie Holstein, Senior Director for Strategic Planning at the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF). He testified on the scientific evidence regarding potential environmental and public health concerns surrounding hydraulic fracturing activities, observations about the current state of regulatory efforts related to hydraulic fracturing activities, and recommendations for appropriate oversight of entities engaged in hydraulic fracturing activities.
Democratic Members on the Committee discussed a number of concerns related to hydraulic fracturing such as how much water is being used when many areas are facing extreme drought; induced seismicity; groundwater contamination; and methane emissions. They also asked whether insurance rates and property values have been impacted by fracking activities and what states’ rights should be when it comes to regulating hydraulic fracturing activities.
Ranking Member Johnson said, “I would argue that it is not some ‘hypocritical smear campaign’ by the Federal Government, but rather repeated attacks against EPA, and campaigns of doubt waged by an opaque industry, that have stoked mistrust among the American people. This hearing is likely to have the unintended consequence of further stoking mistrust among the American people. Justice Louis Brandeis once said, ‘Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants.’ I couldn’t agree more. It is time that our local communities are provided with transparent information from industry to better understand the environmental and public health risks posed by hydraulic fracturing activities.”
Next Article Previous Article