Reps. Roberts and Irwin Propose Stronger Fracking Laws

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016

Contact: Rep. Sarah Roberts Phone: (517)-373-1180            Contact: Rep. Jeff Irwin         Phone: (734)-834-7152

Bills would protect air, water and soil from fracking waste

LANSING — State Representatives Sarah Roberts (D-St. Clair Shores) and Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor) have announced a six-bill package of legislation to address threats to Michigan’s land, air and water as a result of fracking. Together, these bills address gaps in Michigan laws regarding the disposal of fracking waste and the leakage of methane at drilling sites.

“Other states are seeing fracking operations that dump waste, pollute the air and water, and are possibly causing earthquakes,” said Rep. Roberts. “In Michigan, we need to update our oil and gas laws to ensure we protect our environment and the public’s health.”

“Disposing of fracking waste is one of the biggest threats to our water,” said Nic Clark of Clean Water Action. “These bills protect water quality by prohibiting any dumping in groundwater aquifers and by enacting strict standards for radioactive fracking waste.”

The bills in the package would:

·        Ban radioactive fracking waste from landfills if the radioactivity exceeds strict limits

·        Require that water used in the fracking process be in compliance with state guidelines and be cleaned up before disposal

·        Ban fracking operations from injecting fracking wastes or water into an aquifer

·        Require oil and gas well operators to use methane recapture systems to reduce methane released by 99 percent

·        Prohibit oil and gas wells from burning off (flaring) methane emissions

·        Require oil and gas well operators to set up a system to check for leaks of dangerous gases on a regular basis and promptly repair any leaks found.

“Michigan is planning to meet the requirements of the Clean Power Plan by switching from coal to natural gas and renewable energy sources,” said Mike Berkowitz of the Sierra Club. “But methane released from the extraction of gas and oil is 20 times more damaging to the climate than carbon dioxide, so we need to ensure gas isn’t leaking from sloppily drilled wells.”

“Michigan deserves solid rules to protect water quality and prevent wasteful or careless drilling practices,” said Rep. Irwin. “Preventing methane leaks is important to combat climate change, and it also ensures that oil and gas drillers are running professional operations that are respectful of our air and water.”

For more information about fracking, the bills in the package or to sign a petition supporting the legislation, go to www.protectmiwater.com.

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Sierra Club Endorses Gretchen Driskell for Congress

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 16, 2015                                  

CONTACT: Mike Berkowitz

248-345-9808

Mike.berkowitz@sierraclub.org

SIERRA CLUB ENDORSES GRETCHEN DRISKELL

Conservation Group Praises Work to Protect Michigan’s Environment

Saline, MI: The Michigan Chapter of the Sierra Club today announced its endorsement of Gretchen Driskell (democrat) in the 2016 election in Michigan’s 7th Congressional District.

"Gretchen Driskell earned Sierra Club’s endorsement because of her commitment to protecting Michigan’s Great Lakes way of life,” said Richard Barron, Political Chair of Michigan Sierra Club. "She understands the importance of clean air, clean water, and public health. We are confident that she will work to protect Michigan’s environment for our families and our future."

As a State Representative, Gretchen Driskell worked tirelessly to protect and preserve the health of Michigan’s water, air and countryside. She introduced legislation to protect the Great Lakes such as House Bill 4514 which strengthens the Michigan’s oil pipeline regulations, increases environmental protection standards, and enhance accountability for pipeline leaks. Last month, Gretchen Driskell sponsored House Bill 5043 which would remove the costly and prohibitive permit system that’s stalled the efforts of several organizations to obtain information about stream flow and water quality in the state. Gretchen Driskell scored a 90 percent on the Sierra Club’s environmental voting scorecard during her time as a State Representative.

Gretchen Driskell is running for the Congressional seat currently held by Tim Walberg (republican). Congressman Walberg performed terribly on the Sierra Club’s environmental voting scorecard with a lifetime score of 5 percent. Walberg cast countless votes against environmental protection such as undermining clean air protections (H.R. 4795) and assaulting the clean water rule (H.R. 5078). In contrast, Gretchen Driskell encourages the expansion of Michigan’s clean energy industry and protection of pristine water.

"I appreciate Gretchen Driskell’s support for renewable energy as a pathway to cleaner air and homegrown jobs. As my Mayor and state Representative, she understood that people cared about creating jobs and protecting the planet,” said Rob Zimmer, a Sierra Club activist from Saline in the 7th Congressional District. “Michigan needs more clean energy champions in Congress and Gretchen Driskell has the skills, values and experience to lead on this important issue.”

Sierra Club’s endorsement means it will lend its volunteer strength to Gretchen Driskell’s campaign from among its 60,000 Michigan members and supporters, including over 11,000 in the 7th Congressional District.

"Getting Gretchen Driskell elected to represent the 7th Congressional District is a priority for us," said Mike Berkowitz, Political Director of the Michigan Sierra Club. "Sierra Club volunteers will conduct outreach to our members and other voters and let them know Gretchen Driskell is committed to protecting Michigan’s environment.”

The Sierra Club is the nation’s largest grassroots environmental organization, with 2.4 million members and supporters nationwide, and over 60,000 of them in Michigan.

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State Representative Gretchen Driskell

Congressman Tim Walberg

Sierra Club and Public Justice Warn Oklahoma Fracking Operators of Intent to Sue

MEDIA RELEASE  

                                                                                     

 November 2, 2015

                                                                                              

Contact:  Steve Ralls
(202) 861-5246 | sralls@publicjustice.net

Contact: Johnson Bridgwater

(405) 902-2288 | Johnson.bridgwater@sierraclub.org

Environmental Groups Warn Oklahoma Fracking Operators
of Potential Legal Action 

Sierra Club & Public Justice Say Industry is Responsible for Increased Seismic Activity

Oklahoma City, OK – Public Justice and Sierra Club filed a ‘Notice of Intent to Sue’ Friday with four energy companies engaged in hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking, in the state of Oklahoma. The groups have notified Sandridge Exploration and Production, New Dominion, Chesapeake Operating and Devon Energy Production Company of new evidence linking production waste from fracking and oil production with increased and ongoing earthquake activity in and around central Oklahoma. They have demanded the companies take immediate action to modify their operations in a way that will substantially reduce seismic activity, or face legal action.

see article

In 2014, seismologists reported more than 5,000 earthquakes in Oklahoma, and geologists predict seismic activity to continue at that level throughout 2015. “Since late 2009,” the groups note in their letter, “the rate of magn­itude-3 or larger earthquakes in north-central Oklahoma has been nearly 300 times higher than in previous decades.” The letter also notes that “Overlaying the locations of Defendants’ wells onto the places where earthquakes above magnitude 3.5 have been felt shows that earthquakes are occurring in the vicinity of the Defendants’ wells or along fault lines that are close to the wells.” The groups have concluded that the large volume of production waste from fracking and oil production operations that is injected into the ground is causing this increased activity and raises the likelihood of “a devastating quake that could kill large numbers of people and cause massive environmental devastation.”

“Oklahoma is literally being shaken to its core by the operations of these oil and gas companies,” said Paul Bland, executive director of Public Justice. “The link between Oklahoma’s dramatic earthquake activity and the industry’s fracking operations has been established by countless experts, including the Oklahoma Geological Survey, the U.S. Geological Survey and the scientists who have assembled the compelling and conclusive evidence referenced in our letter today. Most importantly, the impact of this devastating process is felt, every single day, by the citizens of Oklahoma. There is a clear and present danger posed by these irresponsible operations. If the energy companies do not voluntarily take action to stop it, we will take them to court.”

“I am angry and offended that the oil and gas industry has been so slow to protect Oklahoma and its citizens in the face of this earthquake crisis,” said Barbara Vanhanken, Chair of the Oklahoma Chapter of the Sierra Club. “Stopping this ever-strengthening earthquake crisis is critical to the health and well-being of all Oklahomans. To ignore the human cost being paid for the earthquake problems tied to oil and gas operations in Oklahoma is cold-blooded and heartless. It reinforces the concept that profits matter more than people.”

The groups have demanded the energy companies take immediate steps to curb further activity and damage, including: Immediately and substantially reducing the amount of Production Waste injected into the ground; reinforcing structures that are most vulnerable to large magnitude earthquakes; and establishing an independent monitoring and prediction center to forecast the amount of Waste that can be safely injected while tracking seismic activity to confirm and modify those predictions.

The letter warns that, “the risk is not only that there are more frequent earthquakes; it is also that those earthquakes have been, and will continue to be, more severe.” Unless the companies take substantial action to reduce this risk, the groups write, “Citizens will sue in federal court to protect themselves and their environment.”

For more information, visit www.PublicJustice.net and www.SierraClub.org/Oklahoma.

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Public Justice pursues high impact lawsuits to combat social and economic injustice, 

protect the Earth’s sustainability, and challenge predatory corporate conduct and government abuses.

Established in 1972, the Oklahoma Chapter of the Sierra Club is the largest environmental group in Oklahoma, f

ighting to protect our great outdoors, with three Groups representing more than 3,000 members across the state.

Sierra Club Endorses Fracking Ban Ballot Proposal

Sierra Club Endorses Fracking Ban Ballot Proposal

Group Joins Campaign To End Radioactive Fracking Waste Imports

Monday July 20, 2015

Media Contacts:   
Craig Brainard  269-223-9201/ boomerbob1@gmail.com 

John Ford  734-572-0810/ bowens140@yahoo.com

LANSING—Sierra Club today announced its support for a proposed ballot measure that would ban radioactive and other fracking wastes from Michigan and end risky, high-volume hydraulic fracturing in the Great Lakes State. The club’s endorsement of The Committee to Ban Fracking in Michigan’s proposal means the organization will mobilize its hundreds of volunteers and more than 60,000 members and supporters to put the proposed measure on the 2016 ballot.  

“If the ban fracking proposal is placed on the ballot, voters in Michigan who overwhelmingly say they want to protect our state’s waters, land and communities will have the opportunity to overcome the oil industry’s grip on Lansing and protect our state,” said David Holtz, chair of Sierra Club Michigan Executive Committee.   “Michigan shouldn’t be the dumping grounds for other states’ radioactive and chemical fracking wastes and we shouldn’t be putting our public health and our waters at risk.”

Holtz noted that the endorsement vote from among Sierra Club leaders throughout the state was unanimous. 

Two longtime Sierra Club leaders, John Ford of Ann Arbor and Craig Brainard of Hastings, will coordinate the club’s campaign activities in support of the proposed fracking ban petition drive, which needs 252,523 signatures from Michigan voters to qualify for the November, 2016 ballot. 

“We understand it’s a huge challenge to get this on the ballot,” said Brainard. “Sierra Club felt strongly that we needed to step up and help make this ballot initiative a success.”

Sierra Club’s announcement of its endorsement of a ban on high volume fracking and injection of fracking wastes follows more than three years of study of the issue along with the release of the University of Michigan’s Graham Institute report on fracking in Michigan. The report points to uncertainties and potential risks involving fracking operations in Michigan.  Following studies of health and environmental risks, New York banned fracking in that state.  

Nearly a year ago it was publicly disclosed that Michigan was importing radioactive fracking wastes from Pennsylvania after landfills in that state and in West Virginia refused to take it.   A state panel in Michigan meeting behind closed doors subsequently gave the go-ahead to continue and potentially expand importing radioactive wastes.

 “Michigan is opening its doors to a flood of radioactive fracking wastes other states don’t want,” said Ford.  “When we take that message to Michigan voters they will act to slam the doors shut.  Our campaign is about giving Michigan voters a choice and we are confident they don’t want Michigan to be the new ground zero for radioactive wastes.”

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Sierra Club Calls for Michigan Fracking Ban

Sierra Club Calls for Michigan Fracking Ban
High-Volume Fracking Too Risky, Contributes To Climate Change

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Media Contacts:   Nancy Shiffler  734-971-1157

                                  Mike Berkowitz 248-345-9808

LANSING—A complete ban on high-volume, hydraulic fracturing in Michigan is needed to meet the challenge of climate change and avoid public health and environmental risks that led New York State to ban the risky practice, the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter announced today.  

“Rather than allowing fracking to expand in our state, we should learn from states like Pennsylvania and Colorado where thousands of fracked wells endanger air, water, and public health,” said Nancy Shiffler, chair of Sierra Club’s Beyond Natural Gas Campaign in Michigan.  “Fracking operations have contaminated the drinking water of hundreds of thousands of Americans and have devastated neighborhoods and landscapes while wasting water and threatening groundwater. The practice should end in the Great Lakes State.”

Sierra Club’s announcement of its endorsement of a ban on high volume fracking follows more than a year of study of the issue and the organization’s policies along with the release of the University of Michigan’s Graham Institute report on fracking in Michigan. The report points to uncertainties and potential risks involving fracking operations in Michigan.  New York’s governor banned high-volume fracking in that state this past December following studies of health and environmental risks.

“Until we are able to loosen the grip the oil and gas industry and electric utilities have on state government in Michigan, achieving a fracking ban in the short term won’t happen in Lansing,” said Mike Berkowitz, Sierra Club Michigan Chapter Legislative Director.  “But we will continue working to reduce the risks of fracking in Michigan while pursuing our goal to eventually eliminate the practice.”

Berkowitz said Michigan is falling behind as other states create new economic opportunities and well -paid jobs through energy efficiency efforts and by developing clean, low-carbon energy technologies. Michigan has chased solar and wind companies out of the state with short-sighted policy decisions while policymakers granted millions of dollars in tax breaks for the oil and gas industry.  If Michigan increases its reliance on fossil fuels like fracked gas, clean energy job opportunities may be lost.  

“Instead of promoting the use of fracked natural gas, Michigan needs to improve its energy efficiency and renewable energy policies,” said Berkowitz.   “That will be a major focus of Sierra Club in 2015 and beyond.”

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 Sierra Club is the nation's largest grassroots environmental organization, with 60,000 members and supporters in Michigan.

Snyder Should Ban, Not Study Radioactive Waste Imports to Michigan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                         More Information:

Monday, August 25, 2014                               Mike Berkowitz

                                                                        248-345-9808

Sierra Club:  Snyder Should Ban, Not Study 

Radioactive Waste Imports to Michigan

LANSING, MI--Michigan Sierra Club criticized Gov. Snyder’s decision today to study rather than prevent radioactive wastes from being imported to Michigan from other states.

“We shouldn't be accepting radioactive waste from other states, period,” said Mike Berkowitz, Sierra Club Legislative Director.  “Creating a study group is more about public relations than protecting Michigan’s drinking water sources.  What possible reason is there for Michigan to be burying other states’ radioactive wastes?

“The fact that the governor has already said in advance of the study that our current rules allowing wastes are protective enough speaks volumes. If Governor Snyder is unwilling to protect Michigan from radioactive wastes, then lawmakers need to step up and fill the void.”

Berkowitz pointed out that in announcing the study, Gov. Snyder gave no deadline for completing it or whether the study group would take input from the public.

Nearly 40 tons of radioactive sludge from Pennsylvania gas drilling operations is being shipped to a Michigan hazardous waste site after it was rejected by Pennsylvania as well as West Virginia.  Wayne Disposal in Belleville near Willow Run Airport is the destination for the large radioactive waste shipment from Pennsylvania.  Other states, meanwhile, are either banning or tightening regulations on radioactive waste disposal, making Michigan an attractive target for disposal.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 16th, 2014

CONTACT: Mike Berkowitz

248-345-9808

Mike.berkowitz@sierraclub.org

SIERRA CLUB ENDORSES MARK TOTTEN FOR MICHIGAN ATTORNEY GENERAL

Conservation Group Praises Commitment to Protect Michigan’s Environment

Kalamazoo, MI: The Michigan Chapter of the Sierra Club today announced its endorsement of Mark Totten in the 2014 election for Michigan’s Attorney General.

"Mark Totten received Sierra Club’s endorsement because Michigan needs an Attorney General who will protect our public health, our water and our air,” said Richard Barron, Political Chair of Sierra Club MI Chapter. "Mark Totten is an attorney who understands the importance of clean air, clean water and public health and understands the vital need to protect our public health as well as our forests and other natural resources.  We are confident that he will defend our natural resources and will prosecute those who criminally pollute our air, water and land.”

In the past, Totten has worked to protect rainforests and stop illegal logging in Indonesia. He also worked on environmental policy as a staffer for former U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman. Totten also developed a report on the abuse of science by the George W. Bush administration. Mark Totten is running for the position currently held by Bill Schuette (R). Schuette has led the charge against the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to keep our air, water and land clean and has been silent on fracking issues. In contrast, Totten encourages the expansion of Michigan’s renewable energy, energy efficiency, green manufacturing and maintenance jobs.

"Bill Schuette has shown a consistent disregard for the impacts of climate disruption, taking the side of industry and challenging common-sense solutions,” said David Holtz, Chapter Chair of Sierra Club MI Chapter. “Michigan needs more clean energy champions and Mark Totten has the skills, values and energy to lead on this important issue.”

Sierra Club’s endorsement means it will lend its volunteer strength to Mark Totten’s campaign from among its 160,000 Michigan members and supporters.  Totten will be seeking nomination as Attorney General at the Michigan Democratic Convention in August.

"Getting Totten elected as Michigan’s next Attorney General is a priority for us," said Mike Berkowitz, Political Director of Sierra Club MI Chapter.  "Sierra Club volunteers will conduct outreach to our members and other voters and let them know that Totten is committed to protecting Michigan’s environment.”

The Sierra Club is the nation’s largest grassroots environmental organization, with over 160,000 members and supporters in Michigan.

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Paid for with regulated funds by Michigan Sierra PAC 109 E. Grand River Ave. Lansing, MI 48906

Sierra Club Says Proposed Fracking Rules Leave State At Risk

Citizens To Challenge State’s Proposals At Public Hearings This Week

More Information: David Holtz, 313-300-4454

LANSING—As state environmental regulators hold two days of public hearings this week on new rules to regulate natural gas fracking, Sierra Club today said the proposals fall far short of what’s needed and will put Michigan’s waterways at continued risk unless the state halts the controversial practice. 

“The proposed rules won’t make fracking safe in Michigan,” said Nancy Shiffler, chair of the Michigan Chapter’s Beyond Natural Gas Committee.   “The closer you look the more you see that the state is taking an industry-friendly, hands-off approach toward regulating the use of dangerous chemicals and protecting our waters.  These weak rules just reinforce the need to turn away from fracking and fossils fuels and toward safe, renewable energy sources.”

Shiffler acknowledged that the state Legislature is unlikely to adopt a moratorium on fracking, so Sierra Club will be proposing ways to strengthen the proposed rules when the state Department of Environmental Quality holds public hearings Tuesday, July 15, in Gaylord and Wednesday, July 16, in Lansing.   

Among the rule changes the club is proposing are:

·        Stronger protections for rivers, streams and groundwater from large-scale water withdrawals related to high-volume fracking.  For example, the state’s proposed rues fail to take into account the impact of withdrawals on wetlands, lakes and headwaters.  Access to groundwater — the primary source of drinking water for 44 percent of Michigan residents and nearly all irrigated farms — is becoming a critical issue in several areas of the state.

·        The regulations being proposed do not take into account the cumulative impacts of water withdrawals.  Water used in fracking is permanently removed from the watershed yet the state has no conservation plan in place and is not proposing that water withdrawals be evaluated over any extended period of time to measure the effects on local waterways and groundwaters.

·        Water testing requirements, although improved under the proposed rules, need to be stronger.  They still fall far short of what is needed to protect rivers, streams and groundwaters. 

·        Full public disclosure is needed of all chemicals used in fracking prior to drilling. This would not be required under the proposed rules, creating potential problems for first responders in case of an accident and leaving the public in the dark about risks related to chemicals used in fracking.

Rebecca Estelle-Skeels lives in Kalkaska County and plans to attend the hearing in Gaylord.

“I live next door to a huge fracking site and know first-hand how they operate,” said Skeels, who chairs the Sierra Club’s Clearwater Committee.   “The state’s proposed rules like using swiss cheese for a roof.  They are full of holes and when your safety of your drinking water is at stake that’s just not good enough.”

Sue Kelly, who lives in Brighton, plans on attending the hearing in Lansing.  She and her neighbors have been fighting to keep fracking out of their community.

“It’s not safe,” said Kelly, “and nothing they propose will make it so.  But they didn’t really even try.   It’s pretty clear that the gas industry is in charge in Lansing.”

Statement from Sierra Club On Proposed Oil Industry Sweetheart Bills

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 MORE INFORMATION:

Monday, January 27, 2014                 Mike Berkowitz  

                                                            248-345-9808

Statement from Sierra Club On Proposed Oil Industry Sweetheart Bills

Giant Tax Breaks, Eminent Domain Privileges Considered Tuesday By House Panel

LANSING--Proposals before a legislative panel Tuesday that would give oil and gas companies new powers to construct pipelines on private property over the objections of Michigan landowners--and give new tax breaks to the industry--were strongly opposed today by the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter, which issued the following statement from State Director Anne Woiwode:

 On Tuesday the state House Energy and Technology Committee will hear testimony for the first time on House Bills 4885, 5255 and 5254.   House Bill 4885 would reduce state revenues from oil and gas development by dramatically reducing the so-called severance tax on gas and oil enhanced recovery drilling, including the controversial fracking process. Under the proposed legislation, oil and gas companies would get a 40% break on the oil severance tax, from the current 6.6% to 4% while gas drilling taxes would be reduced by 20%, from 5% to 4%.  This proposed handout to the oil and gas industry not only gives them an unneeded tax break, but encourages drilling activities that threaten our Great Lakes system, putting our waters at risk.  We believe fracking is too risky to continue in Michigan and should be stopped.  Giving tax breaks to the oil industry to encourage more fracking is the last thing Michigan’s elected officials should be considering.  Instead, Michigan lawmakers should take up legislation introduced last year that would strengthen weak environmental protections for fracking and invest more money in environmental monitoring of our water and air and other protections to safeguard human health and our natural resources.

Moreover, House Bills 5254 and 5255 pose an alarming new threat for all local Michigan residents who are facing aggressive oil, gas and related pipeline construction in their communities.   Sierra Club strongly opposes giving new eminent domain authority to private oil and gas companies at the expense of the rights of private property owners and the public.  We call on lawmakers to reject both bills. The proposed legislation would also restrict the amount of information pipeline companies would have to release to the public. The recent expansion of oil and tar sands pipelines in Michigan has led to many private landowners witnessing pipeline construction within a few yards of their homes or businesses.  Giving oil and gas companies more ability to take lands for the transportation of fossil fuels and pipeline development is the wrong decision for Michigan, for clean water, and for property owners.

 

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 The Sierra Club is the nation’s largest grassroots environmental organization, with over 150,000 members and supporters in Michigan.

Sierra Club Hosts Free Screening of The Sky is Pink in Traverse City

Event at Library Focuses on Fracking and Other Issues in Region

Media Contact: Gail Philbin, gail.philbin@sierraclub.org

The Sierra Club Michigan Chapter presents a screening of The Sky is Pink, a short film about the controversial method of natural gas extraction known as fracking, Wed., June 26, at 7 pm at the Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Room, 610 Woodmere, Traverse City. The event is free and open to the public.

Grand Traverse-area residents concerned about the quality of their water, air and natural resources are invited to the screening, which will be followed by a discussion of important regional environmental, legislative and political issues. Sierra Club staff and volunteer leaders will present opportunities for concerned citizens to get involved in environmental protection efforts in northwest Michigan.

To RSVP, email William Strong at williamstrong@sbcglobal.net or call 269-372-3642.

The Sky is Pink is an 18-minute documentary by Josh Fox, the Oscar-nominated director of Gasland, about New York state’s urgent crisis of drilling and fracking, a brutal method of extracting deep-seated natural gas that recently has come to northwest Michigan.  Exempt from environmental regulations, fracking blasts 3-7 million gallons of chemical-laced water into rock to release gas.  The result is air pollution and toxic water wells that can produce flaming faucets, as shown in Gasland, and even earthquakes.

The Sierra Club Michigan Chapter has been working with legislators on a package of bills to delay its actual practice in order to strengthen regulations to protect people from the fallout of this dangerous process. Learn more at www.michigan.sierraclub.org/issues/greatlakes/Hydrofracking.html

For more information about this event, email williamstrong@sbcglobal.net or call 269-372-3642.