Fracking is booming in southwestern Pennsylvania, spiking plastic production and impacting locals. Washington County is a hotbed of activity, with almost 4,000 fracking wells,.

Sarah Martik, executive director of the Center for Coalfield Justice, highlighted the national and global fracking discussions influencing fossil fuel strategies. She noted that the increased demand for plastic is driving more fracking in the area.

“As plastic production becomes more crucial to the fossil fuel industry, we’re seeing communities hit hard by both plastic production and petrochemicals,” said Martik. Ninety-nine percent of plastics come from fossil fuels, including fracked gas. Southwestern Pennsylvania is a major fracking hotspot.

Jodi Borello, Washington County community organizer at the Center for Coalfield Justice, mentioned a new study from the University of Pittsburgh about fracking’s local impact. “Kids living within a mile of an oil and gas facility face a higher risk of lymphoma,” Borello emphasized. “These well pads are everywhere.”

Borello testified at the 43rd statewide grand jury hearing on the unconventional oil and gas industry. The grand jury report proposed eight recommendations, and her group is pushing for stricter regulations, especially on single-use plastics.

“We’re advocating for expanding no-drill zones in Pennsylvania from 500 feet to 2500 feet,” Borello urged. She also pressed for fracking companies to publicly disclose all chemicals used in drilling, prior to use.

A survey of 760 registered Latino voters found 87% of Latinos support cleaner environmental projects.

The poll, conducted in 10 states including Illinois, was commissioned by the Hispanic Access Foundation. The organization aims to inspire and empower communities.

Vanessa Muñoz, waterways program manager for the Hispanic Access Foundation, said the survey highlights disparities in the Latino community. “This survey can influence policy discussions and ensure Latino voters’ needs are considered,” said Muñoz. She noted the survey’s timing is key, given the election year.

Among those surveyed, 91% of Latinos support policies for future Congressional sessions like new national monuments and parks. Environmentalists see growing Latino advocacy for cleaning up U.S. land and waters, especially around the Mississippi River.

Muñoz pointed to the Biden Administration’s 30 by 30 plan, which aims to conserve 30% of American lands, fresh water, and oceans by 2030. “Eighty-six percent of Latinos view PFAS as a major threat to the Mississippi River,” Muñoz added.

Public comment ends this week for a permit for a high-profile oil pipeline project in northern Wisconsin. Opponents and supporters have voiced their opinions ahead of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ decision.

Enbridge seeks an environmental permit to re-route a section of its Line 5 pipeline around the Bad River Reservation. Tribal leaders, engaged in a legal fight over the existing line, argue the new plan doesn’t solve safety concerns. “The reroute extends the pipeline’s dangers,” said Gussie Lord, Earthjustice managing attorney.

Environmental groups report over 150,000 comments against the project. Meanwhile, a coalition of labor, business, and agricultural groups gathered 14,000 signatures supporting the reroute, highlighting economic benefits and regional propane supply improvements.

Patagonia’s activism lead, Jason Wilhite, warned of economic harm from potential spills affecting water recreation. Enbridge claims extensive protective measures to minimize impacts. Tribal advocates worry about wild rice beds. The Army Corps’ decision date remains unclear.

A new project in North Carolina is set to tackle environmental justice and climate equity.

The city of Charlotte, in collaboration with environmental groups, is launching the GreenPrints Initiative to promote sustainable housing, improve air quality, and develop green infrastructure in under-resourced neighborhoods.

CleanAIRE NC is a key partner. Their community engagement coordinator, Kennedy Williams, aims to educate and address sustainability in overlooked communities. “We’re making sure sustainability is at the core of every resident’s lifestyle,” Williams said.

Efforts focus on Opportunity Corridors like Beatties Ford Road and Freedom Drive. A crucial component is air-quality monitoring, with sensors providing data to the community and regulatory agencies. “Low-cost sensors will help better understand local environmental data,” explained Williams.

Original Story at Public News Service