Anti-Fracking Ordinance
Issue: Ensuring a Sustainable Future
Target Level of Office: Local
Policy Origin: Town of Caroline City Council, New York
Link: www.YEONetwork.org/2013policy/?i=215
YEO Sponsor:
Former YEO City Councilor Dominic Frongillo
Summary Narrative of the Policy: This ordinance would put into effect a moratorium on and
prohibition of natural gas and petroleum exploration and extraction activities, underground
storage of natural gas, and disposal of natural gas or petroleum, exploration, and production
wastes.
Relevant Talking Points & Important Information:
• Hydraulic fracturing, known commonly as “fracking,” is a technique that injects highly
pressurized chemical fluids into underground rock to create cracks that release tightly
bound oil or gas. It’s become a financial boon to fossil fuel companies nationwide, but it
comes with inherent dangers. Most alarmingly, fracking poses the high risk of carcinogenic
contamination of ground and surface water which threatens human health, aquatic life,
and surrounding ecosystems.
• Fracking sends a mix of water and chemicals underground, creating cracks in rock
formations and allowing gas to escape. While big energy companies are not require to
tell the public what’s in the potentially toxic blend of chemicals they use, we do know:
oo Some people who live near fracking sites can light their drinking water on fire and
water contamination is rampant.
oo Wastewater from fracking can contain radioactive elements and has been
discharged into rivers that supply drinking water for millions, according to the
New York Times.
40
Local Level
Policy
2014 Book