API urges EPA to follow the science: extensive data shows no widespread, systemic impacts from hydraulic fracturing

WASHINGTON, August 12, 2016 – API Upstream and Industry Operations Director Erik Milito issued the following statement questioning the EPA’s Scientific Advisory Board response report requesting additional data to support EPA’s five-year, multi-million dollar study confirming that hydraulic fracturing is safe.

“The science is clear and the studies are completed,” said Milito. “Study after study shows that hydraulic fracturing is safe. The benefits of hydraulic fracturing have made the United States the number one producer of oil and natural gas in the world, and largely due to affordable and abundant supplies of natural gas, we are also leading the world in reducing carbon and other emissions. Carbon emissions are down to levels not seen in more than two decades – a model resulting not from government mandates and regulations, but private investment and innovation.”

The EPA’s draft Assessment Report affirms scientific data (including over 950 sources of information, published papers, numerous technical reports, information from stakeholders and peer-reviewed EPA scientific reports) showing no widespread, systemic impact on the quality of drinking water.

“Instead of denying the scientific evidence proving the environmental benefits of hydraulic fracturing, the United States should be celebrating the overwhelming data demonstrating that hydraulic fracturing is helping reduce GHG emissions and other emissions, and has helped lower energy costs for consumers,” said Milito.

U.S. Energy Information Administration projections released this week showed that carbon “emissions from fossil fuels are projected to be less than 5.2 billion metric tons this year, [and were] the lowest since 1992.”

API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry, which supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy. API’s more than 650 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms. They provide most of the nation’s energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 30 million Americans.