“Hydraulic fracturing has unlocked vast energy resources, creating jobs and economic opportunity throughout Michigan” – API
The Committee to Ban Fracking in Michigan said Wednesday it has failed to secure the number of signatures required to qualify for the 2016 ballot.
Organizers gathered about 150,000 signatures, but needed nearly 253,000 valid voter signatures.
The news was cheered by the American Petroleum Institute. John Griffin, executive director of API-Michigan, says the announcement that the public has rejected a third attempt to ban “safe and responsible hydraulic fracturing” is good news for the people of Michigan seeking jobs and increased revenues for the state.
“Hydraulic fracturing is being done safely under the strong environmental stewardship of state regulators and industry best practices,” said Griffin.
“As a U.S. EPA study recently confirmed, hydraulic fracturing has a proven track record for safety. Today’s announcement is a sign of growing public recognition that the nation’s 21st century energy renaissance has made safe, responsible and domestically produced natural gas more affordable and abundant for Michigan consumers while helping the U.S. cut carbon emissions to near 20-year lows.”
Monitoring data from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality shows that over 12,000 wells have been safely hydraulically fractured in Michigan since 1952 with no instances of adverse environmental impacts.
EPA data also shows that methane emissions are plummeting, with the largest reductions coming from hydraulically fractured natural gas wells. Further, new analysis by API demonstrates how the United States has become the world leader in reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
“Hydraulic fracturing has unlocked vast energy resources, creating jobs and economic opportunity throughout Michigan,” said Griffin. “Michigan’s energy industry emphasizes the importance of communicating effectively with local residents, growing local economies, creating jobs, and pursuing mutual goals for community growth.”
API-Michigan is a division of API, which represents all segments of America’s oil and natural gas industry and energy policy. Its more than 625 members produce, process, and distribute most of the nation’s energy. The industry also supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy.