Congressional Democrats Seek To Step Up Fracking Oversight
Congressional Democrats Seek To Step Up Fracking Oversight
WASHINGTON (AP) – Democrats on a congressional oversight panel are stepping up their investigation into how well states are regulating the disposal of oil and gas waste, citing continuing public concern about the potential environmental and health risks of hydraulic fracturing.
Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-Pa., the lead Democrat on a health subcommittee of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, says he will be pressing environmental agencies in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia for fuller answers to his panel’s questions on their level of inspections and enforcement actions. Republicans on the committee, including subcommittee chairman Jim Jordan of Ohio, have not yet taken a position on whether to join the investigation, citing in part jurisdictional questions.
Of particular concern is making sure their waterways are not contaminated by waste from fracking, which uses millions of gallons of high-pressure water mixed with sand and chemicals to break apart rocks rich in oil and gas. That process leaves behind a host of chemicals, sludge and other potentially toxic fluids.
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David Spigelmyer, president of the Marcellus Shale Coalition, questioned whether a federal review was needed, pointing to nearly 70 state regulations that apply to shale in Pennsylvania alone. The formation also lies under large parts of West Virginia, Ohio and New York. “Our industry remains laser-focused on environmental compliance and across-the-board safety,” he said
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The House Democratic staff said it was considering other options to encourage a fuller response from states as Democratic lawmakers ponder legislation to strengthen federal regulations; the subcommittee has subpoena power only if Republicans join the probe. Legislation to restrict fracking would face an uphill battle in a Republican-controlled Congress.
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http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2015/02/16/congressional-democrats-seek-to-step-up-fracking-oversight/
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