Sept. 8th Conference, Morgantown, WV
Media Advisory Aug. 27, 2012
Contact:
Robin Blakeman, Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition, 304-840-4877 or robin@ohvec.org
Cindy Rank, West Virginia Highlands Conservancy, 304-924-5802 or clrank2@gmail.com
Bill Price, Sierra Club, 304-389-8822 or bill.price@sierraclub.org
What: Water and Wellness: Health Impacts of Fossil Fuel Extraction
Keynote speaker, panels, round-table discussions and stories from residents
impacted by deep shale hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and mountaintop removal
coal mining
When: 9a.m. – 1 p.m. September 8, 2012
Registration begins at 8 a.m.; Keynote speaker at 9:15 a.m.; Closing reception at 1 p.m.
Early registration online: https://donation.towercare.com/ovec-registration
Where: First Presbyterian Church
456 Spruce Street
Morgantown, W.Va. Location map
Why: Recent scientific studies and increasing anecdotal evidence point to dire human health impacts from both gas drilling operations and mountaintop removal coal mining. This conference seeks to highlight the findings of scientists and health professionals and the experiences of medically-impacted residents so that the general public can be better informed and involved. Will we face an impending health crisis in much of our region, or will citizen action ensure a healthier future?
Who: Keynote speaker:
Dr. Wilma Subra, environmental scientist. Subra has degrees in microbiology, chemistry and computer sciences. She served as vice-chair of the EPA National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and Technology and is president of the Subra Company. She appears in the 2010 documentary Gasland.
Subra is available for phone interviews with reporters on Tuesday, September 4 at 337-367-2216.
Panelists:
Dr. Michael Hendryx, Research Director for the West Virginia University Institute for Health Policy
Dr. Jill Kriesky, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh
Dr. Ben Stout, Aquatic Biologist, Wheeling Jesuit University
Co-sponsors of this event:
OVEC, Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition
West Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club
West Virginia Highlands Conservancy
More Info: $10 suggested donation for general public
Flier: http://ohvec.org/events_calendar/09_08_Wellness-and-Water.pdf