Fracking Industry’s New Plan? Prosecute Those Who Push Drilling Bans

‘“Drained” from taking local municipalities to court over fracking bans, a fossil fuel industry group is now considering charging local officials who suggest such prohibitions with criminal prosecution, new reporting by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette revealed Tuesday.
In the face of federal governmental inaction, more and more local municipalities have passed bans on fracking to address the mounting public health and environmental problems caused by the toxic drilling process. In fact, according to the Post-Gazette, since Pittsburgh passed its ordinance in 2010, more than 100 other localities have followed suit.
In Pennsylvania, which is the second largest producer of fracked gas in the nation, as well as elsewhere, the drilling industry has aggressively challenged these bans — but, according to Kevin Moody, general counsel for the Pennsylvania Independent Oil & Gas Association, that “fight is draining and doesn’t seem to be deterring municipal officials from attempting to block oil and gas development.”’
Read more: Fracking Industry’s New Plan? Prosecute Those Who Push Drilling Bans