http:\/\/www.commondreams.org\/newswire\/2011\/06\/27-5<\/p>\n
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
\nJune 27, 2011
\n2:02 PM<\/p>\n
CONTACT: Food & Water Watch<\/p>\n
Kate Fried, Food & Water Watch, (202) 683-2500, kfried(at)fwwatch(dot)org<\/p>\n
WASHINGTON – June 27 – \u201cThe New York Times\u2019 recent series on shale gas fracking reinforces deep concerns voiced by Food & Water Watch that the so-called promises of fracking as a bridge to energy independence have been gravely over-hyped by the natural gas industry and certain policymakers.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe fact is that the natural gas industry has exaggerated the economic benefits of fracking while downplaying its risks to public health and the environment. Meanwhile, when skeptical industry insiders evoke terms like \u2018Ponzi scheme,\u2019 \u2018bubble,\u2019 and \u2018Enron\u2019 to describe the actual potential of shale gas fracking, you know there\u2019s a profound problem.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe very fact that Chesapeake Energy chief executive Aubrey McClendon admitted to investors that his company is reselling fracking leases for 5 to 10 times their actual value is indicative of a reckless and dangerous mentality of invincibility reminiscent of Ken Lay\u2019s during his years at Enron.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese revelations further prove that the Obama administration is pursuing a misguided course in encouraging the proliferation of this toxic, dangerous practice. Rather than incentivizing shale gas fracking it should devote resources to developing truly sustainable energy solutions that won\u2019t harm public health or the environment. In the meantime, President Obama should impose a national ban on shale gas fracking.\u201d
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\nFood & Water Watch is a nonprofit consumer organization that works to ensure clean water and safe food. We challenge the corporate control and abuse of our food and water resources by empowering people to take action and by transforming the public consciousness about what we eat and drink. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
http:\/\/www.commondreams.org\/newswire\/2011\/06\/27-5 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 27, 2011 2:02 PM CONTACT: Food & Water Watch Kate Fried, Food & Water Watch, (202) 683-2500, kfried(at)fwwatch(dot)org WASHINGTON – June 27 – \u201cThe New York Times\u2019 recent series on shale gas fracking reinforces deep concerns voiced by Food & Water Watch that the so-called promises of fracking as a … Continue reading Commondreams.org: Industry Insider Skepticism Over Shale Gas Fracking Reinforces Need for Federal Ban — Statement of Food & Water Watch Executive Director Wenonah Hauter<\/span>