EDF statement on natural gas drilling in NC

(Raleigh, NC - May 16, 2012) Today the NC Legislative Research Commission gave its approval to a proposal that would legalize hydraulic fracturing and pave the way for natural gas development in North Carolina. The proposal imposes a two-year moratorium on drilling. The following statement may be attributed to Jane Preyer, North Carolina director of Environmental Defense Fund. Contact Jane at [email protected] or 919-740-6727.

“The proposal brushes aside laws that have protected drinking water supplies and private property rights for generations. The proposal makes sure that drilling can begin in two years, whether or not adequate safeguards for families, communities and the environment are in place. This is a bad idea.”

“The proposal shifts significant responsibilities away from state environmental and public health experts to a new oil and gas industry board. The proposal is a dangerous precedent for North Carolina and a recipe for conflict.”

One of the world’s leading international nonprofit organizations, Environmental Defense Fund (edf.org) creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. To do so, EDF links science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships. With more than 3 million members and offices in the United States, China, Mexico, Indonesia and the European Union, EDF’s scientists, economists, attorneys and policy experts are working in 28 countries to turn our solutions into action. Connect with us on Twitter @EnvDefenseFund