{"id":1828,"date":"2014-01-06T23:54:17","date_gmt":"2014-01-06T23:54:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.gastruth.org\/?p=1828"},"modified":"2014-03-05T02:51:58","modified_gmt":"2014-03-05T02:51:58","slug":"1828","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gastruth.org\/?p=1828","title":{"rendered":"Talking Points for DEP Hearings on Proposed Fracking Rules"},"content":{"rendered":"

UPDATED INFORMATION: PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD ENDS ON 3\/14!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Written Comment Period Extended to March 14<\/strong><\/p>\n

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The DEP’s Environmental Quality Board is accepting comments on a proposed set of fracking rules as part of its public comment period. Below is a list of talking points you can use if you wish to submit written comments, along with the link to the page of instructions on how to comment. You’ll also find a downloadable version of the talking points.<\/p>\n

Find a sample comment letter on the Delaware Riverkeeper Network’s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

And please sign Ron Slabe’s petition<\/a> calling on the EQB to ban frack pits!<\/p>\n

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\u00a0Berks Gas Truth * Clean Water Action * Delaware Riverkeeper Network * Earthworks * Clean Air Council * Damascus Citizens for Sustainability, Inc. * Sierra Club, Pennsylvania Chapter <\/b><\/p>\n

\u00a0 Proposed changes to Pennsylvania\u2019s oil and gas regulations <\/b> Key concerns and talking points <\/i><\/b> In mid-December, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) issued proposed changes to the state\u2019s oil and gas regulations, known as Chapter 78 of the Pennsylvania Code. Act 13, the oil and gas law passed in 2012, requires DEP to make these changes. They are also necessary because regulations for conventional drilling are outdated and inadequate given the large amount of land and water used and waste and pollution produced in shale gas development. Public participation is essential to making regulations stronger and more protective of air, water, and health! You have until Narch 14th to submit written comments. You can use the analysis and talking points below (which cover key parts of the regulations) to prepare your comments. If you commented at one of the public hearings, you can still submit written comments.\u00a0<\/i>The regulations and public comment information are on the DEP’s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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1. <\/b>Pre-drill water testing and the restoration and replacement of contaminated water supplies (Sections 78.51 and 78.52). <\/b>We learned through DEP\u2019s determination letters that natural gas drilling operations have impacted at least 161 water supplies statewide. The natural gas industry has fought to have water restored to only pre-contamination conditions\u2014even if it is not safe to drink. In addition, DEP leaves it up to the driller to decide when, where, and how to conduct water quality tests before drilling starts. DEP should require:<\/p>\n