WASHINGTON – House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) released the following statement today on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) study of hydraulic fracturing.  

Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas): “It’s no surprise that right before a shift in administration the EPA conveniently changes its mind on the impact of hydraulic fracturing on water supplies.  Last year, the EPA released a study on hydraulic fracturing that took years to compile and determined that there is no widespread, systemic impact to water supplies.  It is clear that the agency needs to enact reforms of its entire scientific review process.  I look forward to working with the next administration to enact critical reforms to put EPA back on course in pursuing transparency and sound science.”

Background:

In June 2015 Chairman Smith released a statement after the EPA released its initial assessment which showed no evidence that hydraulic fracturing has caused ground water contamination.