DeGette Statement On President’s Announcement Of Interagency Working Group On Fracking

DENVER – Today, U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (CO-1) issued the following statement in response to President Obama’s Executive Order creating an interagency working group to support responsible development of domestic natural gas resources. Rep. DeGette is the author and lead sponsor of the Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals Act (FRAC Act) and a leading advocate for safe and responsible natural gas development.

“The hydraulic fracturing process has raised many difficult questions regarding the safety of our water, land, air, and ultimately our communities. The President’s creation of an interagency working group will help ensure that as multiple agencies work on common-sense approaches to address those concerns, they are effectively and efficiently coordinated. The group will help prevent redundancies, allow for greater sharing of information, and ensure all issues regarding the fracking process are considered collaboratively.

“The interagency working group will also likely improve our ability to gain an objective, science-based understanding of the potential environmental health and safety risks of shale gas development without delay . I have consistently advocated for this research to be fully funded and to be conducted with the highest levels of scientific standards and impartiality. I feel confident that the President’s new working group will help ensure that is the case.

“I am pleased with today’s announcement as it continues to advance the greater cause of ensuring that the economic benefits of natural gas do not come at the expense of the health and safety of our families and our communities.”