On Eve of Cove Point Rally, O’Malley Administration Moves Forward on Fracking in State

Statement by Jorge Aguilar, Southern Region Director, Food & Water Watch

Washington, D.C. — “Late on Friday evening, while civil society organizations were preparing for a large rally opposing the Cove Point LNG export terminal, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) submitted the interim final report of ‘Best Management Practices’ that will be used in drafting regulations for fracking in Maryland. Clearly, the Departments timed this move to draw as little scrutiny as possible. This move is further proof that state agencies have already predetermined that fracking is indeed going to happen in Maryland.

“We question how the Departments can complete an interim report before required risk assessments and public health reports have been completed. It is contemptible that the state agencies would act so carelessly and with such negligence for protecting the Maryland public.

“It has become increasingly clear that the purpose of the Governor’s Commission has been to greenwash fracking, presenting a front of deliberation, when in fact the decision to allow fracking in Maryland has already been made. We call on Governor O’Malley to end this charade and ban fracking now.” 

Contacts:         
Jorge Aguilar, 202-683-2529; [email protected]
Darcey Rakestraw, 202-683-2467; [email protected]