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Pennsylvania Gas Company Declares Its Fracking Operations ‘Safe’ Following State Partnership for Self-Monitoring

The CNX Resources report on fracking's safety sparks controversy with environmentalists, who point to studies showing health risks.
CNX Resources said the company’s fracking operations “poses no public health risks,” a contention that is at odds with many studies on the impacts of the gas industry. Credit: Mladen Antonov/AFP via Getty Images

On Wednesday, CNX Resources released initial results from its environmental monitoring collaboration with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. This partnership, emphasizing “radical transparency” around fracking operations, was announced by Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration in November.

According to CNX, their natural gas development poses “no public health risks.” CEO and President Nick Deiuliis stated in a press release that CNX’s natural gas drilling is “safe and inherently good for the communities where we operate.”

This statement contradicts numerous studies on the impacts of the unconventional gas industry on health, the environment, and the climate. The latest edition of a compendium of findings related to fracking found “no evidence” that fracking can be done without threatening human health.

In 2023, Shapiro highlighted the partnership would “advance commonsense measures to defend public health and safety while protecting jobs” and set a “new standard for Pennsylvania’s natural gas to be produced responsibly and sustainably.”

As part of the collaboration, CNX agreed to increase setbacks from drilling sites from 500 to 600 feet, and up to 2,500 feet for sites near schools and hospitals. Additionally, they committed to intensive air and water quality monitoring, with the administration agreeing to consider this data before suggesting policy changes.

Since November, CNX claims to have collected over 100,000 data measurements of emissions from 14 sites. They measured concentrations of PM2.5 and BTEX compounds, a group of toxic chemicals linked to fossil fuel production. The company stated its emissions fall “well below science-based air quality standards.”

CNX retains the right to delay or suspend its air quality data, and its agreement with the government does not require disclosure of trade-secret chemicals used in fracking.

For anti-fracking activists and environmental groups, the CNX report signals a lack of serious commitment from the Shapiro administration to regulating the oil and gas industry. They argue that the initial disappointment and anger over the partnership were justified.

Dr. Ned Ketyer, a pediatrician and president of Physicians for Social Responsibility Pennsylvania, criticized the report, stating it lacks transparency and does not mention any chemicals used for fracking. He also noted the absence of information on water quality or radioactivity.

The Shapiro administration has not responded to requests for comment.

Environmental advocates highlight hundreds of violations CNX has faced since 2020 and criminal charges for violating the Air Pollution Control Act in 2021. Critics say CNX’s data is cherry-picked, only measuring a few pollutants around select wells.

Shannon Smith, executive director of FracTracker Alliance, stated that CNX’s report contains “outrageous claims and misinformation,” and accuses the company of making “snarky jabs” at local nonprofits advocating for affected families.

CNX asserted that unfounded accusations and innuendo drive current narratives about the health impacts of natural gas development. They accused opponents of using “speculation, emotion, fear, and ideology” instead of relying on objective facts and data.

Smith and Ketyer believe CNX’s report is aimed at investors, especially following recent news that Piper Sandler downgraded their outlook on the company.

In their report, CNX criticized studies on the health impacts of fracking by the University of Pittsburgh, which found increased risks of worsening asthma, lower birth weights, and lymphoma in children living near fracking wells.

Carmi Orenstein, co-author of the compendium on fracking, noted that the Pittsburgh studies are part of a larger body of independent research on fracking and public health. She stated that dismissing these studies undermines the work of numerous experts and their findings.

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pennsylvania Department of Health’s cancer registry, and DOH’s birth registry provided data for these studies. Ketyer emphasized that epidemiological studies build evidence and that there is now substantial evidence showing fracking’s harmful effects on the environment.

Since the studies’ publication, the Shapiro administration has not publicly commented on the results. CNX accused independent researchers of using ambiguous statistics to achieve their desired conclusions, but Orenstein countered that scientists aim to shed light on the health impacts of fracking under challenging circumstances.

Orenstein said peer-reviewed studies document an “unfolding public health crisis” related to fracking. She criticized the governor for aligning with a company that denies these findings.

A spokesperson for the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Public Health thanked the communities for their contributions to the health studies, which significantly enhance understanding of the health impacts of unconventional natural gas development.

The CNX partnership provisions addressed some recommendations from a 2020 grand jury report on fracking led by Shapiro as attorney general, which called for expanded well setbacks and mandatory disclosure of all fracking chemicals.

Ketyer noted some improvements since the report’s release, such as better communication between the Department of Health and DEP and quicker responses from DOH to health complaints near fracking sites. The grand jury report detailed various health issues experienced by residents near fracking sites.

“Of all people, Governor Shapiro should know better,” Ketyer said, citing Shapiro’s involvement in the grand jury investigation and knowledge of the impacts on Pennsylvanians.

“He knows that people have gotten sick and are getting sick. He knows that farmers have lost animals. He knows that people have lost their drinking water. He knows that fracking is accelerating the climate crisis,” Ketyer said. “He knows, but the fact is, he’s complicit in allowing this to continue.”

When Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro announced the environmental monitoring collaboration between CNX Resources and the state’s Department of Environmental Protection, he said the partnership would “advance commonsense measures to defend public health and safety while protecting jobs.” Credit: Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images
When Pennsylvania Gov Josh Shapiro announced the environmental monitoring collaboration between CNX Resources and the states Department of Environmental Protection he said the partnership would advance commonsense measures to defend public health and safety while protecting jobs Credit Gilbert CarrasquilloGC Images

Original Story at insideclimatenews.org

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COP29 Ends Amidst Criticism Over Loopholes and Disunity


The United Nations’ 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) concluded with widespread criticism over perceived loopholes and a lack of unity among participating nations. Environmental experts and activists expressed concerns that the agreements reached may be insufficient to address the escalating climate crisis.



Despite initial optimism, the conference, held in Bonn, Germany, was marked by intense debates and disagreements. Key issues included carbon emission reduction targets and financial commitments to developing countries. Many attendees felt these discussions fell short of meaningful progress. Learn more about the UN’s climate change efforts here.



A significant point of contention was the establishment of clear guidelines for monitoring and reporting emissions. Critics argue that the absence of stringent measures allows countries to exploit loopholes, undermining global efforts to curb climate change. The lack of consensus on this issue highlights the challenges in achieving cohesive international action.



Some developing nations voiced frustration over inadequate financial support from wealthier countries, which they argue is essential for implementing sustainable practices and mitigating climate impacts. This financial gap remains a major obstacle, fueling discontent and hampering collaborative efforts. Explore the Green Climate Fund’s role in supporting climate action.



Meanwhile, environmental groups emphasized the need for immediate and robust action, warning that delays could have catastrophic implications. They called for greater transparency and accountability in future agreements, urging nations to prioritize the planet’s health over economic interests.



As COP29 ends, the international community faces the challenge of bridging divides and enhancing cooperation to effectively combat climate change. Stakeholders are now looking ahead to future conferences, hoping for more decisive action and unity.

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Saltwater infiltration poses serious risks to public health and agriculture, as freshwater sources become compromised. The situation is exacerbated by prolonged periods of drought, which have reduced freshwater flow in the Mississippi River. According to the National Weather Service, drought conditions have worsened due to climate change, increasing the frequency and severity of saltwater intrusion events.



Local authorities are collaborating with federal agencies to explore permanent solutions. Among the proposed strategies are enhanced levee systems and improved water management techniques. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating the feasibility of long-term infrastructure projects to prevent further saltwater encroachment. Additionally, community leaders are advocating for increased funding to support these initiatives and safeguard the region’s water resources.



The impact of saltwater intrusion extends beyond drinking water concerns, affecting local ecosystems and agricultural productivity. Farmers in the region have reported crop damage due to elevated salinity levels in irrigation water. The Natural Resources Conservation Service is working with farmers to implement adaptive practices, such as planting salt-tolerant crops and improving soil management techniques.



As the Mississippi River continues to face challenges from saltwater intrusion, stakeholders emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts and innovative solutions. The ongoing threat underscores the need for comprehensive planning and investment to protect one of America’s most vital waterways from the impacts of climate change and environmental stressors.

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Environmental activists have raised concerns over the fossil fuel sector’s significant impact on COP29, the latest United Nations Climate Change Conference. Activists argue that the industry’s presence diverts focus from critical climate actions.



The conference, designed to promote global climate agreements, faces criticism for allowing fossil fuel companies to participate extensively. Environmental groups claim these companies undermine efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.



According to Climate Action Network, fossil fuel representatives have increased their lobbying activities, aiming to weaken climate policies. These industries allegedly influence negotiations, leading to watered-down commitments that fail to address the urgency of climate change effectively.



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