If we raise an additional $200,000 this September, a UCS donor will give a $1 million grant to fund our Center for Science and Democracy. Fracking companies hide hundreds of chemicals from public scrutiny—blasting them into our own backyards. We all have a right to know what may be threatening our families health and safety. Help change the policies that keep fracking secret. Donate now. Donate Dear mary jo, As youre reading this, oil and gas companies in 35 states are injecting millions of gallons of chemicals deep into the ground during hydraulic fracturing operations (fracking).1 Of the fracking chemicals that scientists have been allowed to study, one in ten are hazardous to humans.2 Why cant we study all the chemicals used in fracking? Because the oil and gas industry classifies them as trade secrets. Americans have a right to know what chemicals are possibly leaking into our water supplies. Our Center for Science and Democracy, and UCS supporters across the nation, are demanding that scientists be given access to the identity of all fracking chemicals. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is considering a new rule—but we need your help to make it happen. Please, mary jo, donate now to help fight for transparency in fracking. Take advantage of an offer from a UCS donor who has pledged a $1 million match that we will receive if we can raise $200,000 by the end of September. This is a perfect example of how we tackle a problem through our Center for Science and Democracy. The Center is the countrys leading voice in strengthening the role of science in public policy. UCS activists have already delivered more than 30,000 letters to the EPA demanding that oil and gas companies allow scientists access to the composition of fracking chemicals. And while the EPA is exploring new rules, it has not committed to this additional transparency—yet. At the same time, the agency is under tremendous pressure from politicians and corporate interests to avoid new regulations—even those designed to protect our health. Its up to us, mary jo, to make sure the EPA puts science and our safety first. I served in government before coming to UCS. I know what its like to have special interests attempt to interfere with decisions that should be based on science. Thats why I so deeply value what we do through the Center for Science and Democracy. We connect scientists with community leaders on issues like fracking—where more research is critical and the potential threat is very real. The Center has already reached tens of thousands of people through webinars, meetings, and social media about the issues surrounding fracking. And now were building on that grassroots support to pressure the EPA into action. We fight for science in times of crisis. When federal agencies keep scientists from talking with the public, we call them out. Our efforts during the West Virginia chemical spill to marshal the voice of scientists got the Centers for Disease Control to examine how it can provide greater access to scientists when public health is at risk.3 We stand with scientists under attack. When pundits and politicians go after scientists, we equip them with the skills they need to publicly defend their work and reputations. Why? Because science cant flourish if scientists are afraid to speak out—especially on hot button issues like global warming. Weve never had a bigger chance to defend science as we do now. With $1 million on the line, I hope youll join thousands of others by contributing what you can now. Ken Kimmell Sincerely, Ken Kimmell Ken Kimmell President Union of Concerned Scientists
Posted on: Tue, 23 Sep 2014 18:29:24 +0000
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