Oklahomans Invited To Attend Norman Fracking Forum

Members of the public are invited to attend a community-sponsored educational forum on the subject of fracking in the City of Norman.

The Norman Fracking Forum will be held at 7 p.m. Monday at the downtown location of the Norman Public Library.

According to organizers of the event, Hydraulic Fracturing is a state-of-the-art technique used to extract oil and gas resources. While recognizing the industry’s important role in state and local economies, policy makers are increasingly concerned about the possible health hazards and environmental impacts of unconventional drilling.

Several panelists will be at the event, including, David Slottje, founder of the Community Environmental Defense Council Leah Messner, Assistant City Attorney for the City of Norman Dr. Bob Puls, director of the Oklahoma Water Survey and Technical Lead for the EPA’s ongoing study on Hydraulic Fracturing and Drinking Water Resources

“The forum’s goal is to stimulate a constructive dialogue and enhance community input into the development of fracking policy,” Organizer Dr. Cynthia Rogers said.

The panel brings together professionals with in-depth knowledge of local government policies and the fracking process, organizers said.

“I appreciate the efforts of the organizers to offer this educational opportunity. As the city examines issues related to well safety, the information will be very timely,” Norman Mayor, Cindy Rosenthal, said.

Organizers will hold a news conference at 1:30 p.m. Monday at the Oklahoma State Capitol. Panelists and organizers will also be available for comment at the main event Monday evening .