The Fracking Moratorium in the State of Pennsylvania
In the state of Pennsylvania, and indeed throughout the country, there has been a huge boom in hydraulic fracturing, more commonly known as fracking. This boom has been occurring despite concern in both the private and scientific spheres that the practice is having dire effects on our health and environment. For this reason, the Governor of Pennyslvania, Tom Wolf, recently declared a moratorium on fracking on parklands in the state, and we at Heavens Law applaud him for taking this step.
The Myriad Dangers Posed By Fracking
At Heavens Law, we have firsthand experience with the number of dangers that fracking poses to both workers and citizens. The boom in the industry has led many corporations, which are driven solely by profits, to put the safety of their workers and the general public on the back burner. There simply aren’t stringent enough regulations on the industry, and fracking accidents have been on a sharp increase as a result.
In our time, we’ve seen countless Pennsylvania workers injured by fracking. In almost every case, these injuries are the result of gross negligence on the part of the workers’ employers. There are a great many things involved in fracking, and it’s important that all of the process, procedures, systems, and equipment used in extracting oil and natural gas from Pennsylvania’s shale be conducted and operated safely. Sadly, this does not always happen.
Of course, workers are not the only people in Pennsylvania that can be affected by the carelessness of oil and natural gas companies participating in fracking. Residents can be affected too. The process, if done incorrectly, can lead to ground water becoming contaminated. We’ve heard from more than a few Pennsylvania residents who have experienced ground water contamination as a result of fracking, and they’ve suffered from a number of adverse health conditions. It’s also possible for fracking accidents to poison the air we breathe.
What Needs to be Done About Fracking in Pennsylvania
The number of accidents and ground water contamination incidents in Pennsylvania resulting from fracking makes one thing clear: there’s a need for there to be greater regulatory oversight of the industry. This is the reason that some of Pennsylvania’s neighbors have taken steps to curtail fracking in their states, with New York banning the practice outright.
Of course, the pro oil and gas lobbies have a strong presence in Pennsylvania’s legislature. Further, the Governor’s moratorium only covers parklands and not other fracking operations currently underway. For this reason, one cannot expect that anything will be done in the near future to further regulate the industry within the state. As a result, we in Pennsylvania can only expect fracking accidents to continue for the foreseeable future.
Just because fracking can’t be stopped in the state doesn’t mean that those companies that endanger the health and livelihoods of their workers and Pennsylvania’s citizens can’t be held accountable. In incidents where their negligence leads to injury, loss of life, property damage, or anything else, a qualified lawyer can take those companies to task. At Heavens Law, we’re highly experienced with such cases, and we’re here to assist you.
If you’re a worker who has been injured or has contracted an occupational disease as a result of fracking, or if you’re a Pennsylvania resident who has experienced the ill effects of fracking, then get in touch with us today. Our lawyers can offer you a free consultation regarding your case, and they will help you to pursue compensation from the companies that have put your health and the health of your family at risk.
Source:
- https://articles.philly.com/2015-02-03/news/58716213_1_extraction-tax-fracking-gas-extraction
