May 21, 2013
Following the 2013 Goldman Prize tour, Prize recipient Jonathan Deal spent several weeks touring around the United States to gather first-hand information about fracking from industry consultants, politicians, scientists and local citizens from communities where fracking is prevalent.
Deal concluded his tour with a visit to the California State Senate in Sacramento, where he was formally introduced and had the opportunity to deliver a written appeal asking the California Senate to fully consider the negative effects of fracking.
Reflecting on the experiences from his US travels, Deal stated, “fracking carries with it significant environmental risk, far-reaching secondary costs to tax payers, and locks economies – both developing and developed – into a further dependence on fossil fuels.”
He also added, “Fracking firmly delays the emergence of renewable technologies.”
While in Sacramento, Deal met one on one with Senator Fran Pavely, who stated, “Jonathan Deal is living proof that an individual can stand up to powerful interests and have an impact on public policy. We welcome him to California, where he serves as an inspiration to all who believe that citizens should have a voice in a democracy.”
Deal plans on returning to the United States in coming months to further build upon the partnerships that have been established during his visit.
Jonathan Deal with members of the California State Senate. From left to right: Senators Ellen Corbett, Noreen Evans, Hannah-Beth Jackson, 2013 Prize recipient Jonathan Deal, Senators Bill Monning, Fran Pavley, Mark Leno.
