EDF statement on North Carolina shale gas drilling
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Jane Preyer, jpreyer@edf.org,
919-740-6727
Georgette
Foster, gfoster@edf.org,
919-881-2927
(Raleigh, NC - March 28, 2012) Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) today said that North Carolina should take a “cautious and conservative” approach to natural gas exploration that prevents a rush to drilling and protects the state’s water resources, air quality and the well being of communities. Rep. Mitch Gillespie held an afternoon press conference today on shale gas development at the NC legislative building. The following statement may be attributed to Jane Preyer, Southeast director of Environmental Defense Fund:
“Lawmakers acknowledge the state does not have sufficient data about the impacts of gas drilling. A cautious, conservative approach will help decision makers answer tough questions about the risks to human health, water resources and air quality. Right now, there are more questions than answers.
“Current gas production practices impose unacceptable impacts on air, water, landscapes and communities. The public’s right to clean water and clean air cannot be compromised. North Carolina will need strong rules and enforcement. We can learn from the experiences of other states, and we can do better.”
###
About Environmental Defense Fund
Environmental Defense Fund (edf.org), a leading national nonprofit organization, creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. EDF links science, economics, law and innovative private-sector partnerships. See twitter.com/EDFEnergyEX; facebook.com/EnvDefenseFund; and http://blogs.edf.org/energyexchange/.
With more than 3 million members, Environmental Defense Fund creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. To do so, EDF links science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships to turn solutions into action. edf.org
Latest press releases
-
New Analysis Finds Indigenous Lands and Protected Areas Are Key in Slowing Deforestation; Without them Brazilian Amazon Forest Loss Would be 35% and Carbon Emissions 45% Higher
October 28, 2025 -
New Poll: Republicans, Democrats and Independents Strongly Oppose Weakening Chemical Safety Law
October 27, 2025 -
Court Rules New York Must Implement State Climate Law and Deliver Swift Action
October 24, 2025 -
EDF Goes to Court to Help Defend California Climate Risk Reporting Laws That Protect People from Financial Damage
October 24, 2025 -
Oregon Water Partnership Applauds Gov. Kotek’s Executive Order to Promote Resilience of Communities and Natural Working Lands and Waters
October 23, 2025 -
Community, Health and Environmental Groups Sue to Stop President Trump’s Unlawful Toxic Air Pollution Exemptions
October 22, 2025