Chesapeake Physicians for Social Responsibility (CPSR) is deeply concerned about the O’Malley Administration’s last minute effort to allow unconventional gas development and production, commonly referred to as “fracking”, to occur in Maryland.

Media Release: November 25, 2014

Chesapeake Physicians for Social Responsibility Deeply Concerned About Governor O’Malley’s Efforts to Allow Fracking in Maryland

Chesapeake Physicians for Social Responsibility (CPSR) is deeply concerned about the O’Malley Administration’s last minute effort to allow unconventional gas development and production, commonly referred to as “fracking”, to occur in Maryland.

Governor O’Malley announced on Monday that he would propose fracking regulations in December.

“Every day we learn more about the negative impacts of fracking on human health and the environment,” says Dr. Gina Angiola, a CPSR Board member. “Maryland should put the brakes on the spread of fracking while scientists catch up and study the effects of fracking in places where drilling is already under way. Many of the potential health impacts of fracking will be severe and irreversible.”

Tim Whitehouse, Executive Director of CPSR, says, “Maryland’s own health study found a high or moderately high likelihood of negative public health impacts from UNGDP on local air quality, the healthcare infrastructure, worker health, community cohesion, water issues, noise and cumulative effects. State fracking regulations will not be based on sound science. We don’t really know how to protect ourselves from the air and water pollution that will result from fracking.”

Chesapeake Physicians for Social Responsibility is actively working in Maryland to reduce the use of fossil fuels and nuclear energy by promoting energy conservation, energy-efficient technologies, and clean renewable energy. On November 5th, the Board of Directors of Chesapeake Physicians for Social Responsibility published a statement in support of a moratorium on unconventional gas development and production in Maryland. The text of the call for a moratorium can be found at:

http://www.psr.org/chapters/chesapeake/resources/cpsr-board-calls-for-a.pdf

For more information, contact Tim Whitehouse at 240-246-4492 or twhitehouse@psr.org

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