Thus far, California has rebuffed attempts at instituting a statewide ban on hydraulic fracturing. In fact, several localities in California have also rejected fracking bans. Nonetheless, on Thursday, several environmental groups petitioned California Governor Edmund G. Brown to impose an immediate moratorium on hydraulic fracturing and other methods of well stimulation in the state.
The petitioners claimed that such an action was necessary to protect the public from an imminent threat to its health and safety. According to the petitioners, fracking causes pollution, contaminates aquifers, relies on harmful chemicals, and increases the likelihood of earthquakes. The petitioners also blame hydraulic fracturing for climate change. In fact, the petitioners attempt to blame fracking for several illnesses suffered by California residents.
Petitioners claim that their petition is supported by several scientific studies. These studies, Petitioners allege, demonstrate that fracking is dangerous. In addition, petitioners point to the fracking ban enacted by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo after the state conducted a study of the alleged harm caused by hydraulic fracturing.
The petitioners take issue with the environmental studies conducted by California and the state’s current regulations. They contend that California should have completed its study by now. Moreover, the petitioners argue that the latest report released by the state is insufficient and flawed. The petitioners also claim that the state’s current regulations for wastewater disposal are unlawful and fail to properly protect California residents.
Read the petition.
This post was written by Barclay Nicholson (barclay.nicholson@nortonrosefulbright.com or 713 651 3662) and Johnjerica Hodge (johnjerica.hodge@nortonrosefulbright.com or 713 651 5698) from Norton Rose Fulbright's Energy Practice Group.
