ABOUT
Smart discussion of the latest science and news on toxins in your food, water, and air, and what government agencies should be doing to protect public health. Written by EWG staff.
DONATE TO EWG!
Help us protect your health and environment! Please donate $5 to EWG today.
GET EWG'S TIPS & ACTION ALERTS
Sign Up here to receive email updates and tips from EWG and stay informed on the issues that matter most to you.
ENVIROBLOG VIA EMAIL
The Enemy Within: EPA's War with the White House
Don't Let Your Child Be a Back Seat Smoker
Pesticide Defenders Say the Darndest Things
Marine brass wants to limit Camp Lejeune water report
SEARCH ENVIROBLOG
FEATURED
Toxins in our Kids' Foods: Where is the FDA?
Why, oh why is there plastic in my aluminum water bottle?
Fluoride in Your Water: How much is too much?
Borax: Not the Green Alternative It's Cracked Up to Be
Test Your Knowledge of Cosmetics Safety: 8 Myths Debunked
EWG's Tips to avoid BPA exposure
EWG on TV
Cutting the Pork from U.S. Farm Bill
Sunscreen safety & DC drinking water
Perchlorate in people, kids' personal care products & plastics, and sunscreen
BPA in baby formula & safe cosmetics
What can I do about fluoride in my water?
What is new carpet treated with? What can I do?
Are stainless steel water bottles safe?
Is mineral-based makeup safer?
PEOPLE TALKING TOXICS
TALK TO US
Did we miss something? Email Enviroblog.
« Concerned about Drilling in New York? So are scientists. | Main | Don't let the lights go out on environmental journalism »
California: The Wild West of Fracking
In some states, oil and gas companies have begun to face (gasp!) some basic regulations, such as required reporting of where and when they hydraulically fracture (or "frack") wells, and even disclosure of the chemicals they use. But in California, drillers can do whatever they please, wherever they please.
That's because the state agency in charge of regulating the industry, the Division of Oil, Gas and Geothermal Resources, is asleep at the wheel. Until recently, the Division, known as DOGGR for short, has essentially denied that fracking is taking place in California. But EWG's research shows that it's been going on since at least 1953.
In 2010, the division actually requested and received $3 million in its budget for the purpose of regulating, among other things, hydraulic fracturing. But - and here's the kicker - agency officials say that even with the money in hand, they won't write regulations on fracking until and unless the legislature orders it or until (this is my favorite part) there is "evidence of manifest damage or harm."
As someone who just moved to the Golden State, I don't find this comforting. Just ask residents of Dimock, Penn., whose water supply became contaminated after nearby drilling, if fracking should be regulated before or after "manifest damage."
In government-mandated filings, oil and gas companies admit that there are risks associated with fracking, including spills, explosions, environmental damage, injury and even death. And don't forget that fracking is a water-intensive process and has been associated with earthquakes in other places.
California residents deserve to know where and when fracking is happening. They also deserve the peace of mind of knowing that state regulators are watching to ensure that drillers use best practices and that ecosystems and human health are protected. DOGGR needs to find out where and how fracking is happening California and not wait until there is confirmed damage to resources or people.
« Concerned about Drilling in New York? So are scientists. |