Arlington Heights, IL — September 23, 2011 — According to a statement from the Wheeling Township Democrats, in a curious turn of events, a coalition of environmental defenders has given U.S. Rep. Bob Dold (R-IL 10) an award for what they claim are his efforts in Congress to connect people with the outdoors.[1]
“Environmental groups’ efforts to promote the great outdoors and protect Mother Nature from toxic industrial operations are laudable. I think we can all agree that fresh air is a good thing,” said Rob Nesvacil, President of the Wheeling Township Democrats. “But, awarding politicians such as freshman Rep. Dold with his already lengthy record of encouraging pollution and dangerous, toxic industrial activity is just plain silly.”
Dold’s Congressional record in just his first year is far less than stellar when it comes to protecting Americans and our environment from pollution and toxic waste.
In April, 2011 Dold appeared with U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL) to promote the highly-controversial and dangerous practice of fracking to extract gas deposits from underneath some of Illinois’ pristine natural areas and fertile farmlands.[2]
Fracking involves forcefully injecting a “witch’s brew” of poisonous chemicals into the ground in order to fracture the surrounding earth. Industrial fracking operations in other states such as New York, Pennsylvania and Texas have led to explosions near residential areas and aquifers so fouled by the toxic poisons that homeowners’ drinking water is now flammable and undrinkable.[3] The EPA has considered stricter rules for fracking because of the belief it increases cancer and other illnesses.[4]
Dold has also cast several votes which would lead to more pollution and more oil drilling in some of America’s most beautiful wild areas. In June, 2011 he voted for HR 2021 which would weaken America’s Clean Air Act and allow industrial oil operations in the Arctic to spew more noxious gasses and exhaust into the air.[5]
SOURCES:
[1] http://lakeforest.suntimes.com/news/7811515-418/story.html
[2] Crains Chicago Business, 4/18/2011 http://shar.es/HN1Rz
[3] http://www.propublica.org/article/scientific-study-links-flammable-drinking-water-to-fracking/single
[4] http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11259/1175065-53.stm
[5] HR 2021 as described in That’s My Congress http://bit.ly/oQlxOz