Letter to Lisa Jackson, Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency

Letter

In a letter to Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson, Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va) requests that the EPA host a public meeting on the potential study of hydraulic fracturing in West Virginia, home of one of the largest unconventional gas resources in the United States.

Capito argues that the EPA's study of hydraulic fracturing is yet another example of the Agency's attempts to block expanded production of a West Virginia-based energy source, furthering their agenda against fossil-based fuels.

"Natural gas is clean, abundant and a vital energy source for America. In West Virginia, nearly 22,000 men and women work in the natural gas industry. We must do everything in our power to protect these jobs and the overall natural gas industry," stated Capito.

Text of letter to Administrator Jackson:

Dear Administrator Jackson

I am writing in regards to the Environmental Protection Agency's recent announcement to host public information meetings on the study of hydraulic fracturing and to request the EPA host a meeting in West Virginia.

Natural gas is one of the principle sources of energy to meet our everyday needs and activities. As the demand for natural gas continues to grow, unconventional gas shales will play an increasing role in our nation's clean energy future.

The Marcellus Shale formation of the Appalachian Basin is one of the largest unconventional gas resources in the United States. The production of natural gas from the Marcellus Shale is important because it produces clean-burning West Virginia-based energy. Until recently, many oil and gas companies were unable to harness the natural gas locked in the tight, impermeable shale. Advanced drilling and hydraulic fracturing were instrumental to accessing this resource.

Unconventional shale development is a subject of controversy, however. There is concern that hydraulic fracturing poses a potential risk to groundwater quality, human health and the environment. I agree that we must be good stewards of the environment and protect the water resources required to extract the energy.

Therefore, as the EPA prepares to examine the relationship between hydraulic fracturing and its potential impacts on drinking water, I request the EPA host a fifth public information meeting in West Virginia so that communities across all of Appalachia can address their concerns on this issue.

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