WASHINGTON, D.C.–(ENEWSPF)–May 9, 2014 – The Environmental Protection Agency today announced it will solicit comments from the public regarding whether it should require chemical manufacturers to reveal basic information about the dangerous chemicals used in fracking around the country.
This move could—and should—be the first step toward developing long-overdue nationwide rules that would allow the agency and the public to better understand what chemicals are being used in fracking and the effects they have on human health.
A statement follows from Matthew McFeeley, attorney at the Natural Resources Defense Council:
“It’s time for the administration to demand answers about the chemicals that are being used to frack in our communities.
“For too long, the oil and gas industry has been allowed to keep their chemical cocktails a secret, while injecting them underground alongside drinking water sources, storing them in families’ backyards and transporting them through neighborhood streets. Even emergency room doctors have been refused answers necessary to treat patients who have been exposed to fracking chemicals.
“The administration must require nothing less than full transparent information about all chemicals this industry is using, and the health and safety risks they pose to the millions of Americans who live with fracking. While disclosure will not make fracking safe, it plays a critical role in helping the public understand the risks, and what must be done to protect themselves.”
Source: nrdc.org
