Lansing, Mich., November 18, 2015 – Today’s announcement that the public has rejected a third attempt to ban safe and responsible hydraulic fracturing is good news for the people of Michigan seeking jobs and increased revenues for the state, said John Griffin, executive director of API-Michigan.

“Hydraulic fracturing is being done safely under the strong environmental stewardship of state regulators and industry best practices,” said Griffin. “As a U.S. EPA study recently confirmed, hydraulic fracturing has a proven track record for safety. Today’s announcement is a sign of growing public recognition that the nation’s 21st century energy renaissance has made safe, responsible and domestically produced natural gas more affordable and abundant for Michigan consumers while helping the U.S. cut carbon emissions to near 20-year lows.”

Monitoring data from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality shows that over 12,000 wells have been safely hydraulically fractured in Michigan since 1952 with no instances of adverse environmental impacts. EPA data also shows that methane emissions are plummeting, with the largest reductions coming from hydraulically fractured natural gas wells. Further, new analysis by API demonstrates how the United States has become the world leader in reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

“Hydraulic fracturing has unlocked vast energy resources, creating jobs and economic opportunity throughout Michigan,” said Griffin. “Michigan’s energy industry emphasizes the importance of communicating effectively with local residents, growing local economies, creating jobs, and pursuing mutual goals for community growth.” 

API-Michigan is a division of API, which represents all segments of America’s oil and natural gas industry. Its more than 625 members produce, process, and distribute most of the nation’s energy. The industry also supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy.