EPA VS. EPA

EPA THEN …

“Although thousands of … wells are fractured annually, EPA did not find confirmed evidence that drinking water wells have been contaminated by hydraulic fracturing.” (EPA, June 2004)

“Repeated testing has failed to substantiate [allegations] that drinking water sources … are being contaminated or endangered, nor is there any substantial likelihood that drinking water sources would be contaminated or endangered as a result of these fracturing operations.” (EPA, May 1995)

“Hydraulic fracturing has been successfully used … to enhance [energy] recovery from deep, tight reserves. The mechanics of hydraulic fracturing in rock formations is well understood.” (EPA, Sept. 1993)

… EPA NOW

 “EPA is particularly concerned about the potential risks associated with gas drilling activities in the New York City watershed and the reservoirs that collect drinking water for nine million people.” (EPA, Dec. 30, 2009)

THE WHOLE TRUTH, AND EVERYTHING BUT?

WHAT IS HYDRAULIC FRACTURING USED FOR?

 EPA: “Hydraulic fracturing is the injection of fluid under pressure to facilitate the production of oil and natural gas.” (EPA, 2009)

WHAT ELSE IS HYDRAULIC FRACTURING USED FOR?

 EPA: “Hydraulic fracturing is a technology that enhances the effectiveness of other remediation technologies in low permeability soils. … [EPA uses] hydraulic fracturing technology at Superfundand Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) hazardous waste sites.” (EPA, Sept. 1993)

ABOUT THOSE BATS

EPA EXPRESSES ‘CONCERN’ …

 EPA: “EPA is especially concerned about the noise impacts of hydraulic fracturing on the hibernating bat population of New York State.” (EPA, Dec. 30, 2009)

… WHILE DEC ACTUALLY INVESTIGATESNY

DEC: “Populations of some bat species have plummeted more than 90 percent in Northeast caves … Called ‘White Nose Syndrome,’ the fungus is a prime suspect as a causative agent.” (DEC, Dec 2009)

HINCHEY’S EPIPHANY

REP. MAURICE HINCHEY: OPPOSED TO ENERGY INDEPENDENCE …

 ”I do not think that relying on foreign oil impacts our security. I would hope…that there might be a new approach to this whole issue and that approach would essentially mean let us import as much [energy] as we possibly can … ” (Committee remarks, March, 2007)

… BEFORE HE WAS FOR ENERGY INDEPENDENCE

 “The United States is fortunate to have significant natural gas resources to help meet the need for cleaner energy.” (Letter from Rep. Hinchey, et al., to House colleagues; Nov. 4, 2009)

“’We are positioning New York to play a central role in our national goal of achieving energy independence,’ Hinchey said.” (Times Herald-Record, March 2, 2009)

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