Fact Sheet: Six Reasons to Ban Fracking in Illinois

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We need to ban fracking in Illinois.

A ban on fracking is the best way to prevent this reckless drilling practice. Fracking imperils communities and poisons air, water, and climate. 

Six big reasons why we must ban fracking as soon as possible:

➊ Fracking Endangers the Environment & Communities

Methane, fracking fluids and wastewater contaminate water supplies and imperil the livelihoods of farmers that rely on clean water. Increased truck traffic and drilling emissions reduce air quality, methane leaks contribute to climate change, and the proliferation of oil and gas infrastructure destroys pristine landscapes and related tourism and recreation industries. Truck accidents, spills, well blowouts and leaks can release hazardous fracking chemicals into nearby freshwater bodies, jeopardizing farmland and private property. 

➋ Secret, Risky Chemicals in Fracking Fluid

States regulate fracking, but most allow oil and gas companies to withhold the identity of the chemicals used because they are "trade secret. Of the known chemicals, 14 are known or possible human carcinogens, and many are linked to developmental health and reproductive problems. 

➌ Toxic, Radioactive Water

Fracking creates wastewater that contains potentially dangerous levels of harmful underground contaminants and radioactive materials. These chemicals cause cancer, disrupt the endocrine system, affect the nervous, immune and cardiovascular systems, and affect sensory organs and the respiratory system. 

➍ Fracking Causes Earthquakes

Both fracking and the disposal of wastewater via underground injection are linked to man-made earthquakes. The fracking-targeted New Albany Shale formation that covers much of southern Illinois overlays major fault systems and two primary seismic zones, which already contain multiple nuclear power plants, nuclear storage facilities and gas pipelines that could be damaged by a fracking-caused earthquake, potentially releasing radiation and toxic pollution. 

➎ Drillers Seize Private Property And Mineral Rights

Frackers commonly use a contentious legal tool known as "forced pooling" to force resistant landowners to submit to drilling. Under current Illinois law, oil and gas companies can impose drilling on alndowners if more than half of neighboring properties have agreed to gas or oil leases.  

➏ False Jobs Promises

The energy industry deceptively promotes fracking as an engine for economic and job growth, but the job creation estimates have been sometimes overestimated by nine-fold. Almost all fracking jobs are short-term, occurring during the drilling phase; they are often filled by out-of-state workers. 

Now That You're Totally Convinced, Here's How To Help

Today, three times more Illinois workers are employed in renewable energy and efficiency sectors than in fossil fuels (97,633 jobs and 32,668 jobs, respectively).

In addition, Governor Pritkzer has stated over the course of his gubernatorial campaign that he wants to transition the state to 100% renewable energy and that he’s against fracking. Yet, he hasn’t taken any action on fracking since being sworn in as Governor.

Click the button below to take action: Contact Governor Pritzker and urge him to ban fracking in Illinois.

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