Berg: EPA Fracking Announcement is Premature, Irresponsible

Statement

Congressman Rick Berg today released the following statement in response to the Environmental Protection Agency's recent announcement that hydraulic fracturing may be the cause of water contamination in Pavillion, Wyoming.

"The Obama administration's premature and irresponsible announcement yesterday regarding fracking will only add to the persisting regulatory uncertainty facing America's energy producers," Berg stated. "The EPA based its announcement on the preliminary results of a yet-to-be completed study that has not gone through the necessary peer review process. If the EPA were to implement new, out-of-touch fracking regulations based on inconclusive information, it would have a devastating impact on North Dakota's energy sector. Instead of continuing to put up regulatory roadblocks to domestic energy production, the Obama administration should look to North Dakota for solutions. Our state has shown that a common sense, long-term energy plan can spur economic growth, create good-paying jobs, and help break our national dependence on foreign oil. The Obama administration ought to embrace North Dakota's efforts to create jobs and work toward energy independence, rather than putting forth more barriers to our nation's energy production."

This evening, Berg will share his concerns about the EPA's overreach in Grand Forks at a meeting of the North Dakota Petroleum Council.

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