Hydraulic fracturing disclosure bill: “Positive step forward”
March 16th, 2011
LEADING ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP CALLS HYDRAULIC FRACTURING DISCLOSURE BILL “A POSITIVE STEP FORWARD FOR TEXAS”
Public disclosure of hydraulic fracturing fluids used in natural gas production is vital to ensuring health, safety of every Texan
AUSTIN, TX—The Texas League of Conservation Voters pointed to House Bill 3328 (Rep. Jim Keffer, R-Eastland), that would require disclosure of hydraulic fracturing fluids used in natural gas production, as proof positive that the public, environmental groups and the state’s energy industry can work together to ensure the health and safety of Texans.
“Rep. Keffer’s bill is a positive step forward for Texas,” said David Weinberg, Executive Director of the Texas League of Conservation Voters. “Texans expect transparency, especially when it comes to their public health and safety. HB 3328 provides necessary disclosure to provide scientists, researchers and the public with information they need to determine the impact of these chemicals on human health, while being mindful of a business’ confidential proprietary interests.”
HB 3328 calls for the disclosure of the composition of the hydraulic fracturing fluids and additives used by natural gas service companies and operators while ensuring reasonable trade secret protection for companies.
“A number of natural gas service companies are leaders in their approach to disclosure. TLCV obviously hopes more companies would voluntarily disclose the chemical composition of their fracturing fluids,” said Weinberg. “With HB 3328, there are no longer any excuses for operating in the shadows when it comes to matters that potentially impact the public’s health and safety.”
HB 3328 was filed on Friday. Since its filing, Rep. Myra Crownover (R-Lake Dallas), Rep. Lon Burnam (D-Fort Worth), Rep. Tan Parker (R-Flower Mound) and Rep. Mark Strama (D-Austin) have signed on as co-authors.
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The Texas League of Conservation Voters works to preserve and enhance the quality of life of Texans by making conservation a top priority with Texas elected officials, political candidates and voters. Find us online at http://www.tlcv.org and follow us on Twitter @tlcv.
Media contact: David Weinberg, (512) 477-4424
