Let CO Communities Decide on Fracking
- by: Lauren S
- recipient: John Hickenlooper, Governor of Colorado
The natural gas extraction method known as "hydraulic fracturing" or "fracking" has become increasingly common and increasingly controversial across the US. Some argue the industry creates jobs and American energy independence, but others argue that the negative environmental and public health effects of fracking are too great. The controversy is especially strong in Colorado, where lawsuits are currently underway between communities that have tried to ban fracking and the Colorado Oil and Gas Association.
A new study released last week by the Colorado School of Public Health links an increase in birth defects in areas with heavy fracking. Their results show that babies born in areas with a high density of fracking wells also have a substantially higher risk of being born with Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) than babies born in areas in areas with no wells in a 10-mile radius. Natural gas production releases many pollutants into the air that are believed to increase birth defects. The number of active fracking wells in Colorado exceeds fifty thousand and is expected to keep growing.
Despite assurances of the Colorado Department of Health and Environment that Colorado's regulations on fracking are the strictest in the country, communities have continued to vote in favor of moratoria or outright bans on fracking. The oil and gas industry and the state have sued these communities for trying to exercise their own sovereignty against an industry that continually fails to provide information about the process and its impact to the public's satisfaction.
Sign this petition to let the governor know communities should be able to decide for themselves.
Dear Governor Hickenlooper,
We, the undersigned, write to add our voices to the chorus of those who have tried to take a instill bans or moratoria on fracking in their communities. We believe the voters have spoken on the issue and express our extreme disappointment in the state's siding with the oil and gas industry over the environmental and health concerns of voters.
If the industry and the state have not provided sufficient enough proof for the public that the practice of fracking is safe (contrary to studies like those done by the EPA and the recent one published by the Colorado School of Public Health), then we ask you use your executive powers to their fullest extent in order to objectively investigate the potential impact of fracking. We ask that while these assessments are under way, you do everything in your power to honor the decisions of these voters.
Repectfully,
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