Lisa Jackson: “Not Aware of Any Proven Case Where Fracking Process Effected Water”

What was she thinking?

Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public works welcomed the statement. Stating:

“I have great respect for Lisa Jackson and I always appreciate her honesty. Although we disagree on most issues, when you ask her a question she gives you an honest answer.  Over the past two years, I have asked various Obama Administration officials if they know of a single confirmed case of groundwater contamination from these fracked formations and every time the answer is no.  Lisa Jackson’s statement today that she does not know of any proven case of water contamination further demonstrates that States are regulating hydraulic fracturing effectively and efficiently, and there is no need for the federal government to step in.”

Congressional Question:

Is there any evidence that fracking can effect aquifers and water supplies?

EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson’s response:

There is evidence that it can certainly effect them. I am not aware of any proven case where the fracking process itself has effected water, although there are investigations onging (watch testimony)

By using the weasel worded phrase “fracking itself”, it looks like Jackson has bought into the gas industry’s extremely narrow definition of “fracking”, as limited to the activity that occurs 7,000 feet below the surface. This Orwellian practice defines the problem away.

And I am not aware of any proven case where the gas pedal itself caused a car crash.

Jackson’s testimony was denounced by anti-fracking activists and progressives.

and sure amplified by Fox News – Watch: EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson Tells Congress “No Proven Cases Where Fracking Has Affected Water