Washington DC – Subcommittee on Energy and Environment Chairman Andy Harris (R-MD) today sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa Jackson requesting information and documents related to the Agency’s activities with respect to hydraulic fracturing.
The letter outlines concerns over “EPA’s confusing and questionable approach to hydraulic fracturing,” summarizing three highly publicized instances in which the EPA leapt to scientific conclusions before having all the facts, only to later retract or revise its claims.
“These examples, while individually very troubling, collectively suggest EPA is not objectively pursuing an improved understanding of the relationship between hydraulic fracturing and drinking water,” Chairman Harris says in the letter. Instead, Harris asserts that EPA “is determined to find fault with the technology in order to justify sweeping new regulations.”
Chairman Harris requests the EPA provide details on study protocols and field procedures, along with documents and meeting information related to the natural gas extraction method. Further Harris requests information related to statements by an EPA senior official that the Agency is taking a “comprehensive look” to determine “where there are some holes” which could presumably allow for further regulation of hydraulic fracturing.
A full copy of the letter can be found HERE