EPA’s Jackson: Still No Fracking, Contamination Link
Mark Green
Posted May 1, 2012
Statements by EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson worth remembering the next time there’s a blog post, op-ed column or article that claims as fact that hydraulic fracturing has fouled or poisoned drinking water:
“In no case have we made a definitive determination that the fracking process has caused chemical contamination of groundwater.” (Fox News, April 27, 2012)
And:
"I'm not aware of any proven case where the fracking process itself has affected water.” (Congressional testimony, May 24, 2011)
Could such a thing occur? Sure. Oil and natural gas development is an industrial enterprise in which precision and care are needed to prevent mistakes and minimize the possibility of accidents.
API and its members have worked hard to develop industry standards to help ensure environmentally safe operations. Industry also works closely with state regulators and organizations like STRONGER to put in place reasonable and responsive oversight of these activities.
So far, these are working. If they weren’t, Administrator Jackson no doubt would be the first to know.
About The Author
Mark Green joined API after a career in newspaper journalism, including 16 years as national editorial writer for The Oklahoman in the paper’s Washington bureau. Previously, Mark was a reporter, copy editor and sports editor at an assortment of newspapers. He earned his journalism degree from the University of Oklahoma and master’s in journalism and public affairs from American University. He and his wife Pamela have two grown children and six grandchildren.