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Home > Press Releases > fracking > Dimock Water Controversy Further Underscores Dangers of Fracking

January 20th, 2012

Dimock Water Controversy Further Underscores Dangers of Fracking


Statement of Food & Water Watch Executive Director Wenonah Hauter

 Washington, D.C.—“Yesterday’s announcement by the EPA that it will provide families in Dimock, Pa. who believe their water has been contaminated by nearby fracking activity a safe supply of water is a enormous victory for the residents affected, and the millions of Americans concerned about the public health and environmental threats posed by shale gas development.

“As the debate over fracking escalates by the day, this development is another reminder that we cannot let the oil and gas industry trample over the well-being of Americans in order to satisfy its seemingly insatiable thirst for profits.

“Yesterday the government stepped up and did its job—protecting Americans. But that is not enough. This saga in Dimock, combined with the discovery of groundwater contamination from fracking in Pavilion, Wyoming further reinforces the fact that fracking is not safe and should be banned throughout the entire U.S.

“New York Governor Andrew Cuomo should take particular notice of these developments in Dimock and prevent such risks to residents in his state by not allowing fracking to move forward in New York.

“Meanwhile, the oil and gas industry continues to over-hype the value of natural gas, overestimating its abundance and its potential to create jobs for Americans. Much like the industry hype surrounding Keystone XL, these claims are hyperbole designed to exploit our nation’s economic woes and need for new jobs.

“As a nation we are far too dependent on dirty fossil fuels. Rather than getting ourselves hooked on another form of dirty energy, we should be exploring clean, green, sustainable energy solutions.

Contact: Kate Fried, Food & Water Watch, (202) 683-2500, kfriedd(at)fwwatch(dot)org.

Food & Water Watch works to ensure the food, water and fish we consume is safe, accessible and sustainable. So we can all enjoy and trust in what we eat and drink, we help people take charge of where their food comes from, keep clean, affordable, public tap water flowing freely to our homes, protect the environmental quality of oceans, force government to do its job protecting citizens, and educate about the importance of keeping shared resources under public control.
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