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Pennsylvania State Senator Announces Fracking Moratorium Legislation
Posted by EcoWatch: Laura Beans on September 18th, 2013
EcoWatch: At a press event today, State Senator Jim Ferlo (D-Pittsburgh) announced the introduction of the Natural Gas Drilling Moratorium Act, Senate Bill 1100, that would place a moratorium on issuing new permits for fracking in Pennsylvania. He was joined by PennEnvironment, Food & Water Watch, other community and environmental advocacy groups, and concerned citizens.
“Since the advent of the shale gas industry in Pennsylvania, I have advocated for a more cautious approach to natural gas extraction from...
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United Kingdom: UK’s Fracking Dilemma Continues
Posted by EcoWatch: Laura Beans on September 3rd, 2013
EcoWatch: According to Friends of the Earth (FOE), the UK government plans to end people`s right to be notified about plans to drill for gas and oil beneath their homes and on their land, amongst other changes in the law for onshore oil and gas planning applications.
"It`s little wonder communities don`t trust the Government over fracking when their rights are so clearly being bulldozed aside to smooth the path for the big fracking firms," said Andrew Pendleton, head of campaigns for FOE.
Anti-fracking...
Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to Dumping Toxic Fracking Wastewater Into River
Posted by EcoWatch: Laura Beans on August 30th, 2013
EcoWatch: Last year, more than 14 million gallons of radioactive toxic fracking wastewater was injected into Ohio`s Class II disposal wells, with more than half of the wastewater coming from out-of-state.
While some toxic fracking wastewater is injected into wells, it has also been dumped illegally into streams and rivers, contaminating Ohio`s waterways.
According to The Plain Dealer, Michael Guesman, an employee of Hardrock Excavating--a company that stored, treated and disposed of oil and gas drilling...
Eminent Domain Used to Push Big Oil’s Agenda
Posted by EcoWatch: Laura Beans on August 2nd, 2013
EcoWatch: Food & Water Watch released a report last month detailing lax laws and regulations, such as the controversial clause of eminent domain, that benefit oil and gas companies trying to seize private land to extract or transport fossil fuels.
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), eminent domain is an exercise of power of the government or quasi-government agencies to take private property for "public use."
The oil and gas industry`s right to claim land has been...
Increased Frequency of Earthquakes Linked to Fracking Wastewater Injection Wells
Posted by EcoWatch: Laura Beans on July 12th, 2013
EcoWatch: The increased rates of earthquakes occurring in the central and eastern U.S over the past few years is a growing cause of concern. Two recent reports delve into the probability of man-made, induced earthquakes.
According to the U.S Geological Survey (USGS), more than 300 earthquakes above a magnitude 3.0 occurred from 2010-2012, compared with a much lower national average rate of 21 earthquakes per year observed from 1967-2000. The USGS also found that the increase in seismic activity coincides...