WHEREAS, Louisiana, like many other states, has seen increased activity in hydraulic fracturing, commonly called “fracking“; and
WHEREAS, federal laws and most state regulations do not require the chemical ingredients of hydraulic fracturing fluids to be disclosed to the public, and the chemicals used are often kept from the public under trade secret clauses; and
WHEREAS, hydraulic fracturing is exempt from many major federal and state environmental laws including the Safe Drinking Water Act; and
WHEREAS, many of these chemical compounds are hazardous to public health and/or the environment, and up to 600 chemicals could be used in hydraulic fracturing fluids and several are known carcinogens and toxins; and
WHEREAS, the waste fluid is left in open air pits to evaporate, releasing harmful VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) into the atmosphere, creating contaminated air, acid rain, and ground level ozone; and
WHEREAS, waste fluid could leak into groundwater sources and/or nearby waterways above ground; and
WHEREAS, since names of chemicals are kept hidden from the public along with any potential dangers, it is difficult for concerned citizens to know what chemicals might be, or have been, used or the risk factors involved with exposure; and
WHEREAS, other states (New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Colorado, West Virginia, Michigan, California) that have had more experience with fracking and its incurred problems are also requesting more transparency.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Louisiana Wildlife Federation (LWF) calls upon the state of Louisiana to develop a regulatory program to require that companies working in Louisiana disclose hydraulic fracturing fluid chemicals used, and inform the public about the potential hazards to the public and environment in order to more fully understand the potential impact involved in extraction of natural gas.
Resolution No. 14E, 2013 – CHEMICAL DISCLOSURE IN HYDRAULIC FRACTURING, Page 2
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that LWF asks that the State of Louisiana require the disclosure in the permit application of all hydraulic fracturing chemicals planned for use so that the public can be fully informed when commenting during the permitting process.
Adopted by the Louisiana Wildlife Federation in Convention Assembled, February 24, 2013 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
The Louisiana Wildlife Federation is a statewide conservation education and advocacy organization with more than 8,500 members and 25 affiliate groups. Established in 1940, it is affiliated with the National Wildlife Federation and represents a broad constituency of conservationists including hunters, fishers, campers, birders, boaters, and other outdoor enthusiasts.