Today Governor Josh Shapiro announced an executive order called the Pennsylvania Permit Fast Track Program, intended to speed the review and approval of various infrastructure and economic development programs throughout the state. Additionally, the Shapiro administration announced that it had recently resolved its entire backlog of some 115 oil and gas extraction permits. 

In response, Food & Water Watch Pennsylvania State Director Megan McDonough issued the following statement:

“Over the years, Governor Shapiro has made symbolic claims and half-hearted efforts to address the rampant environmental pollution and serious human health impacts caused by the oil and gas industry in the Commonwealth. But now, with his aggressive actions to allow the industry to ramp up and do as it pleases, Shapiro has let his true, pro-polluter allegiance show through. We will not stand by as he hands over our Commonwealth to corporate interests. Instead, we will double down on resisting his giveaways to polluters, and support communities big and small that are already fighting back against fracking and pipelines that threaten their homes, schools and parkland.”