Report: Scientific evidence in EPA study confirms safety of hydraulic fracturing process
WASHINGTON, November 17, 2016 – API released a new report by Catalyst Environmental Solutions showing that the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) finding of no widespread effects to drinking water quality is supported by state and federal regulatory reviews, and dozens of recent peer-reviewed case studies.
“This report shows that EPA’s conclusion has scientific backing and reflects the effectiveness of existing industry practices and state regulations,” said API Director of Upstream and Industry Operations Erik Milito. “The EPA’s study on hydraulic fracturing and groundwater protection will be viewed globally and must reflect existing scientific evidence. As the study is finalized and prepared for release by the end of the year, it is critical for any review to focus on the facts and available science.”
EPA’s six-year, multi-million dollar, national study, was released as a draft Assessment report in 2015 and determined that fracking has not led to widespread, systemic impacts on drinking water as it lifted economic fortunes for millions of Americans. The new report by Catalyst, “Quantitative Support For EPA’s Finding of No Widespread, Systemic Effects to Drinking Water Resources from Hydraulic Fracturing,” concludes that: “If there was a significant correlation between impaired drinking water resources and hydraulic fracturing, that connection would be manifested in the areas that EPA evaluated. This finding is corroborated by a large, credible body of case studies and scientific literature.” API commissioned the report.
“Hydraulic fracturing is the backbone for a continued economic, environmental and energy development success story in the U.S.,” said Milito. “While the U.S. has risen to be the world’s leading producer of oil and natural gas, industry has also reduced carbon emissions from power generation to their lowest level in more than 20 years – making it clear that environmental progress and energy production are not mutually exclusive.
“None of this would be possible without hydraulic fracturing. The scientific data documented by the EPA study add to the proof that it is being done safely.”
The report by Catalyst is available on API’s website in full and summary documents.
API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry, which supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy. API’s more than 625 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms. They provide most of the nation’s energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 30 million Americans.