The potential for environmental damage from "fracking" was the subject of unsuccessful legislation we worked to pass in Annapolis this past General Assembly Session. This legislation was introduced because of concern that the full effects of the fracking process on the environment are not well known. The process uses a large amount of water as well as chemicals to break rocks to access natural gas.

Click here to Thank Governor O'Malley for this recent action!

The task force, according to the O'Malley administration, will consist of scientific, business, drilling and environmental communities as well as citizens from Western Maryland.

According to the Administration the following goals will be pursued by the task forces:

• A presentation of findings and related recommendations regarding the desirability of legislation to establish revenue sources, such as a State-level severance tax, and the desirability of legislation to establish standards of liability for damages caused by gas exploration and production. These findings and recommendations will be made by December 31, 2011.

• Recommendations for best practices for all aspects of natural gas exploration and production in the Marcellus Shale in Maryland by August 1, 2012.

• A final report which will include findings and recommendations relating to the impact of Marcellus Shale drilling including possible contamination of groundwater, handling and disposal of wastewater, environmental impacts, impacts to forests and important habitats, greenhouse gas emissions and economic impact. This report will be issued no later than August 1, 2014.

We urge you to thank Governor O'Malley and let him know that you approve of his actions to protect our water and you expect that action will be taken if the task force finds fracking to be detrimental to the waters of Maryland.

Please thank Governor O'Malley now