DeGette Statement On EPA Fracking Standards

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (CO-1) responded today to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement of the first federal air standards for hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking.” DeGette is the author and lead sponsor of H.R. 1084, the Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals Act (FRAC Act) which would require the disclosure of chemicals used in the fracking process and remove fracking activities’ exemption from the Safe Drinking Water Act.

“Natural gas has an important role to play in reducing our nation’s dependence on foreign oil, and in Colorado in particular it is a critical component of our state’s energy economy. But with a number of difficult questions arising about its production, we must ensure that the economic benefits of natural gas do not come at the expense of our families’ health and safety. That is why I have consistently advocated for sensible protections to give consumers and communities confidence fracking is being done safely and responsibly.

“I am pleased with today’s announcement from the EPA, which addresses the dangerous chemicals like benzene, hexane, and methane that are often released as wells are prepared for production. The EPA’s new standards to reduce air pollution utilize existing technology and are a responsible step towards enforcing the Clean Air Act and protecting the air we breathe. I applaud the EPA for developing these sensible reforms; and I look forward to working with the Administration, my Congressional colleagues and other stakeholders on other initiatives – like my FRAC Act – to improve the safety and efficacy of natural gas extraction and development.”