Fracking air pollution standards ‘optional’ in House bill
Media Contacts
Environment North Carolina
Raleigh, NC- The North Carolina House of Representatives approved a bill today that removes a mandate requiring the state to create air pollution rules for the fracking industry.
HB 157, introduced by Rep. Mike Hager (R- Rutherford), instructs the NC Environmental Management Commission (EMC), to issue air pollution rules around fracking, only if deemed necessary.
The mandate was originally included in SB 820, which lifted the state’s ban on fracking. Environmental organizations worry that a lack of regulation will put North Carolinian’s who live near potential fracking sites at risk.
“Air pollution related to fracking has been linked to health problems including respiratory diseases, neurological problems, and impacts on fetal and child development,” said Liz Kazal, field associate with Environment North Carolina.
”We’re disappointed that state leaders are once again failing to deliver on their promise to have the strongest regulation in the country. This latest decision reinforces the fact that the only way to truly protect North Carolinians is to reinstate the moratorium on fracking.”
The bill (H 157) passed 76-40, with 71 Republicans and five Democrats voting in favor. Three Republicans and 37 Democrats opposed the bill. It now heads to the Senate.
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