From the report SUMMARY (7 pages)
In an unprecedented investigation of oil and gas operations and government oversight in Texas’s Eagle Ford Shale, Earthworks reports a toxic mix of irresponsible industry operators and negligent regulators, and the families who suffer the consequences. Specifically, Reckless Endangerment while Fracking the Eagle Ford, reveals:
- Residents requested state regulators provide relief from oil and gas air pollution;
- Regulators discovered pollution so dangerous they evacuated themselves;
- Regulators took no subsequent action to warn or otherwise protect the residents at risk;
- Regulators took no subsequent action to penalize the responsible company;
- Residents continue to live with exposure to dangerous oil and gas air pollution.
Oil and gas operations in shale formations release chemicals to air, water, and soil that are hazardous to human health.
Government shares the blame for these releases because rules governing oil and gas development don’t protect the public. Adding insult to injury, state regulators don’t reliably enforce these rules. By failing to deter reckless operator behavior, regulators practically condone it, thereby increasing health risks for residents living near oil and gas development.
Report materials:
- Full report (47 pages)
- Press release
- Videos (interview with Cerny family, and infrared videos of invisible to naked eye pollution)
- Pictures from the report