Health, safety, trust

Recently, as a parent and advocate for my children and children across Pennsylvania, I spoke at a public hearing to report on mounting peer-reviewed research pertaining to unconventional gas drilling (“Members Representing Public Interest to Remain on Pennsylvania Oil and Gas Board,” April 23).

Because research concludes harmful health effects and safety impacts are within a twomile radius of drilling sites, scientific-based regulations are imperative. All stages of drilling operations, which are not confined to industrial areas, emit toxic air pollutants that impact community health. Furthermore, incidents and accidents related to drilling continue to require up to a two-mile evacuation zone.

Although new regulations are proposed, and now include schools, they are unfortunately inadequate and have no scientific basis.

Alarmingly absent from proposed regulations is methane. This potent greenhouse gas permeates from thousands of existing well sites, the continued development and the sprawling pervasive infrastructure.

Immediate regulations are essential for the commonwealth.

Scientific and comprehensive drilling regulations are fundamental. Protection for our children and a safe and healthy environment are paramount. The proposed revisions to the state’s oil and gas regulations under Pennsylvania Code Chapter 78 are a positive beginning, but Pennsylvania leaders must do more to protect our health and safety. Utilize the research and data to make sound scientific-based regulations and heed the warnings of those most affected to restore community trust. Our leaders may be able to live with compromise, but future generations cannot.

AMY NASSIF Mars Parent Group Mars