Millions of People Threatened By Proposed Fracking Project in Southern Illinois: Group Will Unite to Say NO

CHICAGO, IL — Monday, June 26, at 12:30pm, dozens of people from likely impacted communities will gather at the Thompson Center in Chicago to demand that the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois legislature deny Woolsey Operating Company LLC’s plans to frack in White County. 

Fracking is a dangerous practice that threatens public health on a massive scale and would be an environmental catastrophe for rural Illinois. The practice involves pummeling the earth with a cocktail of toxic chemicals using hundreds of thousands of gallons of water to access oil and gas. Woolsey has chosen a particularly vulnerable part of Illinois to frack. White County has been identified by USGS as an area with high naturally occurring radioactivity and seismic activity. 
 
 
What: Press conference including dozens of Illinoisans and featuring a public statement from Food & Water Watch. Visuals will include colorful and large anti-fracking signs and banners.
 
When: Monday, June 26, 12:30pm
 
Where: Northeast corner outside the Thompson Center, at 100 W. Randolph Street.
 
Who: Speakers will include individuals from impacted communities, health professionals, scientists, indigenous leaders and environmental advocates.