To: Rep. Pam Roth, IL Representative and Sen. Sue Rezin, IL State Senator

Stop fracking in IL

The oil and gas industries are looking hungrily at Illinois, hoping to dramatically expand fracking in at least 17 counties in the southern part of the state. But here's what they're not saying—fracking pollutes drinking water, destroys farmland, and causes climate change.

State legislators could decide this month whether to pave the way for fracking—a process by which massive amounts of water and toxic chemicals are injected into the ground to reach previously inaccessible oil and gas—in Illinois, or whether to put the controversial practice on hold. And other states, like New York, are watching what happens in Illinois.

There's a growing movement in Illinois to stop fracking, and elected officials are tuning in. But standing up to the oil and gas industries isn't easy, and state representatives are unlikely to do it unless they hear from constituents.

Why is this important?

It poisons water and has been a major factor in climate change.