What you don't know CAN hurt you

As you're reading this, oil and gas companies in 35 states are injecting millions of gallons of chemicals deep into the ground during hydraulic fracturing operations ("fracking").¹

Of the fracking chemicals that scientists have been allowed to study, one in ten are hazardous to humans.² Why can't we study all the chemicals used in fracking? Because the oil and gas industry classifies them as "trade secrets."

Americans have a right to know what chemicals are possibly leaking into our water supplies. Our Center for Science and Democracy, and UCS supporters across the nation, are demanding that scientists be given access to the identity of all fracking chemicals. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is considering a new rule—but we need your help to make it happen.

This is a perfect example of how we tackle a problem through our Center for Science and Democracy. The Center is the country's leading voice in strengthening the role of science in public policy.

UCS activists have already delivered more than 30,000 letters to the EPA demanding that oil and gas companies allow scientists access to the composition of fracking chemicals. And while the EPA is exploring new rules, it has not committed to this additional transparency—yet. At the same time, the agency is under tremendous pressure from politicians and corporate interests to avoid new regulations—even those designed to protect our health.

It's up to us, Larry, to make sure the EPA puts science and our safety first.

I served in government before coming to UCS. I know what it's like to have special interests attempt to interfere with decisions that should be based on science. That's why I so deeply value what we do through the Center for Science and Democracy.

We connect scientists with community leaders on issues like fracking—where more research is critical and the potential threat is very real. The Center has already reached tens of thousands of people through webinars, meetings, and social media about the issues surrounding fracking. And now we're building on that grassroots support to pressure the EPA into action.

We fight for science in times of crisis. When federal agencies keep scientists from talking with the public, we call them out. Our efforts during the West Virginia chemical spill to marshal the voice of scientists got the Centers for Disease Control to examine how it can provide greater access to scientists when public health is at risk.³

We stand with scientists under attack. When pundits and politicians go after scientists, we equip them with the skills they need to publicly defend their work and reputations. Why? Because science can't flourish if scientists are afraid to speak out—especially on "hot button" issues like global warming.

We've never had a bigger chance to defend science as we do now. With $1 million on the line, I hope you'll join thousands of others by contributing what you can now.

The Union of Concerned Scientists is the leading U.S. science-based nonprofit organization working for a healthy environment and a safer world. Founded in 1969, UCS is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and also has offices in Berkeley, Chicago and Washington, D.C. To subscribe or visit go to:  http://www.ucsusa.org