The oil and gas industry in the United States has expanded rapidly during the last decade, particularly in the Rocky Mountain region. But oil and gas production releases pollution that can have serious impacts on people’s health and the surrounding air, water, and land. Although these operations are frequently located near homes, schools, and other community resources, the oil and gas industry enjoys numerous exemptions from provisions of federal laws intended to protect human health and the environment. NRDC’s latest report provides a comprehensive assessment of these loopholes, which allow oil and gas companies to continue polluting despite the risks.

Technological solutions that reduce environmental contamination and protect the health of communities across the nation are readily available—and often economical. At a minimum, oil and gas exploration and production should be subject to the same environmental measures with which virtually all other industries must already comply. The time for Congress to step into the regulatory void is long overdue.

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