Washington, DC — In response to the Obama Administration finalizing new regulations to reduce methane pollution from new and modified fracking wells, 350.org Executive Director May Boeve issued the following statement:
“The only way to protect our communities from the risks of fracking, and stave off the worst impacts of climate change, is to keep fossil fuels in the ground. This rule, which does nothing to stop dangerous methane leaks from existing fracking wells, was always wholly inadequate. Insiders said it was the best President Obama could do. Then, communities across the country voiced their outrage, the climate movement pushed fracking to the forefront of the presidential campaign, and the Porter Ranch disaster shined a harsh spotlight on fracking’s worst effects. President Obama couldn’t claim the mantle of climate leadership without seriously challenging the industry’s methane problem, so he’s proposed a rule to cut pollution from existing sites as well.
We appreciate that the White House is considering those communities directly impacted by fracking and for expanding the planned regulations. While these rules are a welcome safeguard, they can never justify the ongoing expansion of fracking. One things remains clear: no amount of regulation can make fracking safe.”
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Contact: Lindsay Meiman, (347) 460-9082