Administration Must Acknowledge Political Meddling in Fracking Contamination Report, Clarify and Finalize Findings of Harm

Washington, D.C. - A report from Marketplace today confirmed what Food & Water Watch has indicated for some time: that the Obama administration made high-level, last-minute edits to the top-line findings (and accompanying press materials) of a draft study in order to dramatically underplay clear evidence of water contamination caused by fracking. Subsequently, Food & Water Watch Executive Director Wenonah Hauter has issued the following statement:

“Enough is enough. We’ve suspected for months that the White House egregiously manipulated the headlines and summary findings of a draft study in order to obfuscate the details buried within – details confirming that fracking has caused numerous cases of water contamination. Today’s report confirms this political meddling. It’s time for the administration to acknowledge its intervention in the crafting of the draft study, and issue a final version that clearly and conclusively highlights that fracking does indeed cause water contamination.

“Furthermore, before he leaves office, President Obama should meet with impacted individuals and hear directly their stories of suffering from serious health effects related to fracking. And he must protect communities directly in the path of future fossil fuel hazards. He can start by respecting the sovereignty of the Standing Rock Sioux, ending his silence on the violence faced by their water protectors, and taking the Dakota Access pipeline off the table for good."

Contact: Seth Gladstone - sgladstone[at]fwwatch[dot]org, 347.778.2866