The Post-Gazette’s June 12 story and June 14 editorial on the American Medical Association’s hydraulic fracturing-related resolution (“AMA Blasts Secret Shale Records” and “Healthy Interest: The Public Must Know Fracking Solution Content,” respectively) failed to provide critical context and verifiable facts.
First, consider the source — or as President Ronald Reagan said: “Trust, but verify.” The lead advocate for the American Medical Association’s resolution, Todd Sack, is an active member of the Sierra Club, which is running a national campaign aimed at banning shale development.
Its Facebook page even boasts that “the Sierra Club is opposed to fracking, period.” And a separate group praised Dr. Sack for his “instrumental work” in passing a similar “anti-fracking resolution” in Florida. These important facts were missing from the Post-Gazette’s reporting.
Additionally, and more important, Pennsylvania’s heightened fracturing disclosure regulations — which were written with direct input from the Pennsylvania Environmental Council — are among the nation’s most progressive. These common-sense regulations ensure that health care providers have all necessary information to effectively evaluate, diagnose and treat patients. To suggest otherwise demonstrates a fundamental lack of understanding of the law or a willful disregard of the facts.
It’s apparent the Sierra Club’s Dr. Sack isn’t interested in ensuring that shale development — which is a highly and well-regulated process — is made safer and more transparent. Our industry, however, cares deeply about our environment and the public health of our communities.
Erica Clayton Wright
Marcellus Shale Coalition
North Fayette
NOTE: Click HERE to view this letter online.
