PSR’s report also demonstrates that the oil and gas industry pumped almost 70 million pounds of other “trade secret” chemicals into these wells. Some of these chemicals might also be types of PFAS.
Please join us in advocating for stronger regulations around PFAS use in the oil and gas industry. West Virginians deserve clean water and healthy environments.
Our Letter
I am deeply concerned about the alarming findings revealed in the recent report by Physicians for Social Responsibility on unregulated PFAS usage in oil and gas drilling across northern West Virginia resulting in contamination of groundwater resources.
The best science tells us that PFAS chemicals are highly toxic at very low levels and can cause serious adverse health effects. Unsafe levels of PFAS have been found in the raw water supply for 130 community water systems in West Virginia.
To protect the health of West Virginians and the millions of Americans downstream, Federal and/or State Regulators must enact comprehensive policies to provide transparency in PFAS use and hold the oil and gas industry accountable for PFAS contamination. Specifically, I support the following policy recommendations:
- Transparency in the Oil and Gas (O&G) Industry: Require the O&G industry to disclose all substances used in fracking operations, including Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), to regulatory agencies and make that information available to the public.
- Reporting of PFAS Usage: Require O&G companies to report PFAS usage to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for monitoring.
- Reduction of PFAS at the Source: Implement measures to reduce PFAS usage within the O&G industry, emphasizing the adoption of alternative, less harmful substances and technologies when possible.
- Accountability for Clean-Up: Hold responsible parties within the O&G industry accountable for the clean-up of PFAS contamination, ensuring that the financial and logistical burden does not fall on communities or utilities.
- Closing Loopholes in Regulation: Address existing loopholes in state and federal regulations to strengthen oversight of PFAS-related usage and enforcement of regulations within the O&G sector.
By taking decisive action on these policy recommendations, we can protect the health and well-being of all West Virginians and those living downstream to ensure a safer, cleaner environment for future generations.
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