Letter to the editor: For gas industry, profit trumps health?

The writer of the letter “Fracking is regulated” (Nov. 3, TribLIVE) says the University of Pittsburgh children’s health study neglected to consider environmental factors other than fracking. But the study clearly states: “The collection of other environmental exposure data through publicly available sources provided additional information on other factors, e.g. TRI, UMRE, Superfund sites … . Children living within 1 mile of a fracked well have 5 to 7 times the risk of developing lymphoma. Those who lived closer especially in areas of greater intensity of unconventional gas development, had the highest risk.”

As for compliance, the industry has amassed thousands of violations in Pennsylvania, involving leaks, spills, explosions and emissions polluting water and air. From Range Resources 2021 annual report: “… we could sustain losses as a result of: injury or loss of life; damage or destruction of property or natural resources; pollution or other environmental damage, clean up responsibilities; regulatory investigations and penalties … .”

Unbelievably, because it cannot meet standards, the industry sought and won exemptions from major federal environmental protection laws. As for economics, studies show long-term economic growth of communities can be harmed by the exploitative gas industry.

For many of us, concern for the health of our families trumps profit.

Jan Milburn

Ligonier