September 24, 2011

Support EPA's Efforts to Clean Up Drilling Air Pollution

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) wants to wants to reduce harmful air pollution from the oil and gas industry. 

They need some help.  Please speak out and show your support for their efforts. 

The EPA recently proposed new rules to reduce air pollution from hydraulically fractured gas wells.

Good news: they’re are a win-win! 

• WIN #1:     EPA estimates air pollution reduction of more than 25%
• WIN #2:     Industry will save about $30 million annually by using technology already used in some states.

However, these rules aren’t final. EPA is seeking public input on their proposal at public meetings around the country. One of these meetings is next week.

Meeting Details:
What:    EPA Hearing on Proposed Air Pollution Rules for Oil and Natural Gas Drilling
When:   Tuesday, September 27th ~ 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 2 p.m.-5 p.m., 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m.
Where:  David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Rooms 315-316, 1000 Ft. Duquesne Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (map)

If you want to RSVP to speak at the hearing, click here.

EPA is also accepting written comments on the proposed rules through November 30.  (See details below on where and how to send them.)

If you care about about clean air and our health which relies on it, please voice your support. The drilling industry will, and EPA's ability to follow-through could depend upon the amount of public input they receive.

Our friends at the Earthworks Oil and Gas Accountability Project have quite a bit of info to help you –- talking points/fact sheet -– but the message we need to send the EPA is simple:

1.  Thank you, this is a good first step.
2. Oil & gas production should comply with the same clean air standards as other industries.
3. Public health needs to be protected from drilling toxics like benzene and other carcinogens.
4.  The rule should be even stronger! Why should existing wells get a free pass?

Click here to send a letter encouraging the EPA to stand strong against industry lobbying and protect the communities that live with drilling pollution.

More Information:

•     EPA web page about the proposed rules, including information on the public meetings and the rule text
•     Earthworks fact sheet and talking points about the rules

Where and How to Submit Written Comments:
Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID Number EPA–HQ–OAR–2010–0505, by one of the following methods:

• E-mail: a-and-r-docket@epa.gov. Include Docket ID Number EPA–HQ–OAR–2010–0505 in the subject line of the message.
• FAX: (202) 566–9744.
• Mail: Attention Docket ID Number EPA–HQ–OAR–2010–0505, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460. Please include a total of two copies.
• or click here.