Statement: PennEnvironment applauds Senators’ intervening in fracking lawsuit to protect Delaware River

Delaware River Basin Commission takes step to safeguard majestic waterway

PennEnvironment

Pennsylvania state senators from across the Delaware River Basin came together today to announce their motion to intervene in “Yaw v. DRBC”, the historic case around protecting the watershed from the negative environmental and health effects of fracking. The Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC), a regional multi-state agency charged with preserving the Delaware River watershed, recently cast a historic vote today to ban fracking within the Delaware River Basin. Today’s intervening and DRBC’s vote comes after a multi-year public input process.

PennEnvironment Executive Director David Masur issued the following statement: 

“PennEnvironment applauds the state senators who’ve come together today from across the Delaware River watershed to stand up and defend this great river. 

“Fracking shouldn’t be allowed anywhere, much less near an iconic natural waterway like the Delaware River, which provides drinking water for millions of Americans. Given that local Pennsylvanians voiced their overwhelming support for protecting the Delaware River from fracking during the public input processes, it’s unfortunate that the elected officials who are the plaintiffs in the ‘Yaw v. DRBC’ case are using the courts to undo the will of local residents. 

“The data is conclusive: From cradle to grave, fracking puts the health of our planet and our communities at risk. By standing up to defend banning fracking near our beloved Delaware River, Sen. Santarsiero and his peers are taking strong action to protect millions of people.

“Over the last decade, one thing has become crystal clear — the fracking industry is either unable or unwilling to comply with basic, common sense environmental safeguards.  They chronically pollute, put our environment and health at risk, and even break the law.

“When the DRBC unveiled their proposal, tens of thousands of people spoke up in support of a fracking ban. We thank the state senators making today’s announcement for listening to Pennsylvanians who know what is best for the commonwealth’s people and natural spaces.”

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PennEnvironment is dedicated to protecting our air, water and open spaces. We investigate problems, craft solutions, educate the public and decision-makers, and help the public make their voices heard in local, state and national debates over the quality of our environment and our lives. For more information, visit www.PennEnvironment.org.