Issue Position: Getting Tough on Frackers

Issue Position

* Bring impact litigation against frackers when there is evidence they have undermined Pennsylvanians' right to "clean air" and "pure water"

* Elevate and empower the Office of Attorney General's Environmental Crimes Unit

* Direct the Public Protection Division to focus on environmental crimes

* Increase coordination between the Attorney General and the Departments of Environmental Protection and Health

* Tougher penalties for repeat offenders and violations close to schools and hospitals

* Create a special task force of District Attorneys from impacted communities to coordinate and share information

Bring impact litigation against frackers when there is evidence they have undermined Pennsylvanians' right to "clean air" and "pure water"

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has recently reminded us of the legal power of our state constitution's Environmental Rights Amendment. As Attorney General, Shapiro will bring impact litigation against frackers based on Pennsylvania's constitutional right to "clean air" and "pure water" when there's clear evidence that they have undermined this right.

Elevate and empower the Environmental Crimes Unit

As Attorney General, Shapiro will prioritize going after environmental crimes. He'll beef up the Office of Attorney General's Environmental Crimes Unit and empower the unit's agents and lawyers to aggressively pursue criminal prosecutions against frackers that violate our health and safety laws.

Direct the Public Protection Division to focus on environmental crimes

As Attorney General, Shapiro will direct the office's Public Protection Division to focus on environmental challenges. The office will encourage consumers to come forward with complaints against frackers and other polluters and will use civil investigative demands and civil subpoenas to investigate companies of concern to protect consumers.

Increase coordination between the Attorney General and the Departments of Environmental Protection and Health

The Departments of Environmental Protection and Health have a deep well of data on the impacts of fracking in our communities. Unfortunately, in spite of Governor Wolf's efforts to close the gap, both departments have been underfunded which has limited their ability hold polluters accountable. Increased cooperation between these departments and the Office of Attorney General is critical to stronger enforcement and accountability for the fracking industry.

Tougher penalties for repeat offenders and violations close to hospitals and schools

A recent report found there are 166 schools, 165 child care providers, 21 nursing care providers and six hospitals within a one-mile radius of permitted fracking well sites. Because young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems are most vulnerable to the dangerous effects of fracking, violations that occur close to these populations should warrant tougher penalties. As Attorney General, Shapiro will advocate for tougher penalties for violations of our environmental and safety laws close to vulnerable populations. He will also call for tougher penalties for companies that repeatedly violate laws and regulations to ensure that it doesn't pay to pollute.

Create a special task force of District Attorneys from impacted communities to coordinate and share information

Shapiro will launch a special task force of District Attorneys from the counties most affected by fracking to share information, determine patterns of abuse and coordinate enforcement strategies.

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