To: Sally Jewel, Secretary of the Interior
Sally Jewell: Let states and cities ban fracking
The Secretary of the Interior should not be telling states and communities that banning fracking is “the wrong way to go.” There are thousands of proven instances of water and air pollution caused by fracking operations. Fracking has also been linked to increased rates of cancer and earthquakes! New York State just banned fracking after its health commissioner reviewed reams of scientific studies. Other cities have done so too across the nation. Even if you refuse to pay attention to the science, you must respect their right to do so.
Why is this important?
In a recent interview with KQED, Interior Secretary Sally Jewell said banning hydraulic fracturing is the "wrong way to go" for states and municipalities worried about its impacts. "There is a lot of misinformation about fracking," she went on to say. Sadly, the Secretary is the one who is misinformed.
Water and air pollution: There are already more than 1,000 documented cases of water and air contamination from fracking operations — from toxic wastewater, well blowouts, chemical spills, and more.
Cancer: Researchers at the University of Colorado School of Public Health concluded that people living within a half-mile of gas drilling operations have higher health risks, including cancer.
Earthquakes: Many studies have shown that fracking can cause earthquakes by building up subterranean pressures that causes slippage in existing fault lines. Earthquakes in Ohio, Texas, and Oklahoma have been linked to fracking operations.
After reviewing all this evidence and more, the states of New York and Vermont, and hundreds of cities across the nation have banned fracking. Sally Jewel, the Secretary of the Interior, should just let these state and cities follow the science and ban fracking.