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Issues: Wildlands

Drilling Down
Protecting Western Communities from the Health and Environmental Effects of Oil and Gas Production

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. This October 2007 report provides a comprehensive assessment of these loopholes, which allow oil and gas companies to continue polluting despite the risks, and describes the available, often economical solutions for using technology to reduce environmental contamination. The report also includes personal stories from people living in communities affected by oil and gas drilling.


	For printed copies of this report, see our Publications List.

OVERVIEW & QUICK REFERENCE
Press release
Fact Sheet (376 kb pdf)

FULL REPORT IN PDF
Adobe Acrobat file (1.9 mb)
Click here if you need a copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader (free)

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary
Introduction
Chapter 1: Chemicals Involved in Oil and Gas Production Can Harm Health
Chapter 2: Unchecked Emissions from Oil and Gas Facilities Can Pollute Our Air
Chapter 3: Activities at Oil and Gas Facilities Can Pollute Our Water
Chapter 4: Toxic Substances Associated with Oil and Gas Facilities Can Pollute Our Land
Chapter 5: Solutions to Oil and Gas Pollution Problems Are Available, Often Economical, and Often Easy
Conclusion and Recommendations

Related NRDC Pages
The Drill in the Backyard, photo essay and video