FracTracker Alliance Calls for Independent Science in Pennsylvania

Introduction

Since 2010, FracTracker Alliance has provided public data on the unconventional oil and gas and petrochemical industries. With nearly $1 million in funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for community-led air monitoring in the Ohio River Valley, and two certified thermographers trained in using forward-looking infrared (FLIR) cameras to detect methane, benzene, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), our direct experience confirms that emissions occur at every stage of oil and gas production. These insights reinforce our stance: No technological advancement in the fracking industry can fully eliminate its harmful effects on public health, the environment, or the climate.

The CNX ‘Radical Transparency’ Program

FracTracker Alliance, alongside other environmental organizations across Pennsylvania, opposes Governor Josh Shapiro’s partnership with CNX, a fracked gas company using its so-called “Radical Transparency” program to influence public perception and policy.

“Our analysis has found nothing particularly radical about CNX’s approach to protecting public health,” said FracTracker Alliance Executive Director Shannon Smith in the comment to CAC. “What is transparent, however, is their intent: to position themselves as the ultimate authority on fracking operations in Pennsylvania while dismissing independent science and public concerns.”

A vast body of peer-reviewed research—including hundreds of studies—demonstrates that unconventional oil and gas development (UOGD) contaminates air, soil, and water, leading to significant public health risks. These include respiratory and cardiovascular problems, adverse birth outcomes, and increased cancer risks. Scientific studies also confirm that elevated technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive materials (TENORM) in wastewater, sludge, and drill cuttings pose significant exposure risks to workers and residents.

Despite this, CNX CEO Nick DeIuliis has sought to discredit independent studies, including a comprehensive health study by the University of Pittsburgh (the “Pitt study”). The Pitt study, conducted by a highly qualified team of biostatisticians, epidemiologists, and environmental health experts, analyzed correlations between fracking and adverse health outcomes in Southwestern Pennsylvania. CNX dismisses these findings as “loose statistical associations” and argues that “correlation does not prove causation.” While this principle is fundamental to scientific research, CNX’s assertion that experts overlooked such a basic concept is disingenuous at best.

“This is established science, so I would like to hear in more detail by CNX what they take issue with in terms of the Pitt study methodology,” Smith said in her remarks on behalf of FracTracker.

Industry Influence vs. Independent Research

CNX has suggested that independent researchers should use its data, but this invitation raises concerns about selective reporting. If the methodologies in future studies remain consistent with the Pitt study, but the data is cherry-picked, the scientific integrity of such research could be compromised.

Environmental experts across the state have identified multiple flaws in CNX’s “Radical Transparency” program, which we are prepared to present to the CAC upon request. Moreover, despite CNX’s claims of environmental responsibility, we are aware of at least two residents near previous “Radical Transparency” wells who have suffered health issues and water contamination, with more likely affected.

Beyond CNX’s specific claims, the broader environmental consequences of fracking remain indisputable. A single fracking well can consume millions of gallons of freshwater—often permanently removing it from the water cycle due to contamination with heavy metals, salts, chemicals, and radioactive materials. While the industry promotes wastewater recycling, the dominant disposal method remains deep-well injection, which has been linked to seismic activity and long-term groundwater risks.

CNX Attacks Credibility of Fracking Research

The current debate over fracking policy echoes the struggles of past environmental scientists, notably Rachel Carson. Carson’s groundbreaking work exposed the dangers of pesticides, yet she faced relentless attacks from the chemical industry. Likewise, CNX and its CEO have disparaged the Pitt study’s findings, attacked respected public health professionals, and dismissed climate science as alarmist rhetoric.

Despite CNX’s insistence that its methods make fracking “safe and inherently good,” peer-reviewed science consistently finds otherwise. No amount of industry rhetoric can erase the fact that VOCs, methane, and other hazardous emissions pose direct threats to human and environmental health.

Recommendations to the Citizens Advisory Council

FracTracker Alliance urges the CAC to take decisive action in the interest of public health and environmental protection by:

1. Rejecting CNX’s ‘Radical Transparency’ program as a credible source for policy-making. Industry-generated data cannot replace independent, peer-reviewed research.
2. Strengthening regulatory oversight of industry self-reporting. Any industry-reported data must be subject to independent verification and accountability.
3. Ensuring public policy is based on unbiased science. Regulations should prioritize rigorous, peer-reviewed research over corporate narratives.

Allowing a fracked gas company to shape public policy based on selectively reported data would be an irresponsible disservice to Pennsylvanians. We must ensure that environmental and health policies are guided by evidence-based research—not the financial interests of polluters.

FracTracker Alliance calls on the CAC to stand with scientists, community members, and public health advocates—not corporate interests. The science is clear: Fracking is inherently dangerous. The time for debate has passed. Now, we must act.