-- Gaping Hole in Rules Allows Continued Oil and Gas Wastewater Discharges --

Harrisburg, PA – The PA Environmental Quality Board (EQB) voted today to update state water quality standards at a meeting at the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) offices in Harrisburg.  The EQB once again failed to include a standard for levels of salt in Pennsylvania rivers, which environmental groups had urged them to include.

15 environmental and community organizations wrote to the PA Environmental Quality Board (EQB) urging action to restore proposed standards to protect Pennsylvania rivers.  While DEP had proposed a standard for salts (chlorides) in their draft proposal in 2012, the standard was completely removed by DEP in the final version sent to EQB.

Harrisburg, PA –Responding to the announcement that DEP Secretary Krancer is resigning from his post, Clean Water Action welcomed the news as a possible new beginning for the Department of Environmental Protection.  “We have before us a chance to alter the direction of the Department of Environmental Protection and to make it a priority to improve oversight and protection for the environment and residents, especially from Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling,” said Steve Hvozdovich, Marcellus Shale Policy Associate.

Clean Water Action frequently criticized Secretary Krancer’s tenure as one marred with half steps and inactions. He leaves behind a legacy of engaging in feuds with EPA and state legislators, and was often viewed as a cheerleader for the gas industry.

Denver, CO & Pittsburgh, PA: Today Clean Water Action applauded the introduction in the US House of Representatives of the BREATHE and FRESHER Acts intended to close Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act loopholes for hydraulic fracturing operations. “The BREATHE and FRESHER Acts simply make sure oil and gas companies comply with our landmark health and environmental laws,” said Clean Water Action President Robert Wendelgass.