llinois Senate Agrees: We Have A Right to Know About Shady Fracking

The thing about fracking in Illinois

First of all, let’s be clear: we are going to ban fracking in Illinois. Fracking is a dangerous, unnecessary, outdated practice that unfairly targets vulnerable communities and devastates the surrounding environment.

More Illinoisans join the fight to stop fracking every day. But until we win (stay tuned next session), we intend to keep a close eye on the oil and gas industry. TWEET

Earlier this year, they tried to pull a fast one and infiltrate the state through ambiguous language and legislative loopholes.

Why? Because as the law stands now, any fracking operation using less than 160,000 gallons of water, sand, and dangerous chemicals can fly totally under the radar.

It’s called ‘low-volume fracking’ and under oil and gas laws written in the 1940’s, drillers don’t have to disclose anything about their operations for 2 full years.

This mysterious low-volume label confused a lot of people who had no idea that their communities, families, and children we’re being exposed to two of the most dangerous fracking chemicals (xylene and ethylbenzene).

In response, Senator David Koehler introduced legislation that would simply force companies to disclose all chemicals used during these drilling ventures.

We have a game plan

1. Increase protections for land owners, who would be impacted by new nearby fracking endeavors;
2. Require more information from oil and gas companies applying for fracking permits;
3. Ensure that frackers can’t hide their dangerous drilling activities.