Federal Legislation Aims to Close “Fracking Loopholes”
Pennsylvania Representative Matthew Cartwright (D-17) has introduced legislation to remove oil and gas industry exemptions from the federal Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act. Cartwright is from Scranton, and his district stretches over five counties including Berks, Dauphin, Lebanon, Perry and Schuylkill county.
The “FRESHER” Act would remove federal regulatory exemptions related to storm water run-off at drill sites. And the “BREATHE” Act would require air emissions generated by the oil and gas industry be subject to federal aggregation regulations.
more at http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2013/03/14/federal-legislation-aims-to-close-fracking-loopholes/
from the press release at http://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cartwright-introduces-first-bill-to-eliminate-clean-water-loophole :
Currently, oil and gas operators are exempt from the basic protections we are afforded by the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and numerous other environmental laws designed to protect our health and safety. The BREATHE and FRESHER Acts would ensure that the oil and gas industries are subject to the same standards other industries must comply with as part of the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act and other environmental laws.
Thank you, Rep. Cartwright and Rep. Polis. I hope this Bill passes.
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