If Big Oil had its way, you wouldn't know that the nation's foremost experts on earthquakes — scientists at the US Geological Survey — have linked the exponential increase in earthquakes across the eastern and central United States to wastewater disposal in hydraulic fracturing (fracking) operations.
In fact, Big Oil's lobbyists at the American Petroleum Institute say point blank that "hydraulic fracturing does not cause earthquakes" on their
website. Worse,
on at least one occasion, Big Oil used its political connections to put pressure on a scientist who had linked fracking to increased seismic activity.
Public safety depends on transparency and an honest accounting of the hazards associated with fracking. Please sign this petition now and let Big Oil's #1 champion know that it's time to start telling the truth.
Mr. Gerard:
I am writing today to urge the American Petroleum Institute to reverse its stated position discounting the link between hydraulic fracturing and increased seismic activity.
As you are well aware, the US Geological Survey has linked increased seismic activity with wastewater disposal from hydraulic fracturing operations. Yet the American Petroleum Institute continues to deny these findings and minimize the potential consequences of increased fracking, insisting on your website that "hydraulic fracturing does not cause earthquakes."
As hydraulic fracturing expands into states with more active fault lines, it is imperative that your organization and the industry it supports embraces sound science and transparency so communities can make informed decisions about fracking and accurately gauge the risks associated with fracking operations.
[Your comments]
Sincerely,
[Your name]
