Concerned by the rapidly expanding evidence of harm and the growing uncertainties caused by unconventional natural gas development and production, we, the undersigned organizations, call for a long-term moratorium on high-volume hydraulic fracturing in Maryland.

The emerging science now includes hundreds of peer–reviewed studies, case studies, and reports demonstrating that permitting fracking in Maryland poses significant threats to the health and safety of Marylanders and to the quality of our air, water, and soil. Furthermore, it is clear that fundamental data gaps remain regarding the long-term and cumulative health effects of fracking and how to effectively mitigate risks. There is no evidence that the state can regulate hydraulic fracturing in a way that adequately protects public health, natural resources, or the economy.

Citing significant public health risks, including those documented in Maryland’s own health study, New York recently announced  that it would ban hydraulic fracturing in the State. Maryland, too, should proactively protect the health of its residents.

Based on what we know now, we believe that fracking endangers public health and is the wrong approach to building a robust Maryland economy and a clean energy future. We urge Maryland’s legislature to pass an extended moratorium in 2015.

To view groups that have already signed this statement, please click here:
http://www.psr.org/chapters/chesapeake/resources/signatories-long-term.pdf