Fracking Investigation Reveals Millions of Gallons of Diesel Fuel Injected into Ground across U.S.

Press Release

Today, Congresswoman DeGette joined with Congressmen Henry Waxman and Ed Markey in releasing the first findings from the House Energy and Commerce Committee's year-long investigation into the energy exploration practice of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking.

The congressional investigation found that oil and gas service companies have injected over 32 million gallons of diesel fuel or hydraulic fracturing fluids containing diesel fuel in wells in 19 states between 2005 and 2009. In addition, the investigation finds that no oil and gas service companies have sought -- and no state and federal regulators have issued -- permits for diesel fuel use in hydraulic fracturing, which appears to be a violation of the Safe Drinking Water Act.

"Our investigation has shown that for the past several years, the fracking industry has ignored federal regulations and a mutually binding agreement, and injected over 30 million gallons of one of the most toxic chemicals into the ground, potentially contaminating drinking water aquifers in communities nationwide," said Congresswoman Diana DeGette, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. "Today we call on the EPA to determine whether the public has been put at risk as a result of these irresponsible and possibly unlawful activities."

"This disturbing report lends urgency to passing the FRAC Act, which would have required regulation of all fracking activities under the Safe Drinking Water Act and mandated disclosure of the chemicals in fracking fluids to protect our families' water supply," continued DeGette. "For Colorado in particular, natural gas is an important economic driver. But we must ensure that this energy exploration is done safely and responsibly."

"The findings of this investigation represent a major step toward transparency and public safety," said Congressman Jared Polis, a co-sponsor of the FRAC Act. "We need to close the Halliburton loophole, and it is my hope that this will prompt further investigation and action by the EPA on violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act."

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