Who We Are

HealthFirstPA is a coalition of health care professionals, public health advocates, parents, and faith leaders who defend children and other vulnerable populations from the health risks posed by harmful pollution from oil and gas development. Our kids, grandkids, and families all need protections. That’s why we do all that we can to ensure proper safeguards from the pollution that leaks from Pennsylvania’s dirty energy production.

Oil and gas pollution harms families. We need change.

Pollution from oil and gas extraction and production raises the risk of numerous health issues among Pennsylvania's children, pregnant women, and other vulnerable populations. Methane is responsible for 25% of the human-produced warming we are experiencing today, resulting in more extreme weather events such as flooding along with hotter temperatures.

311,000

PA students attend school within 1/2 mile of oil and gas facilities 

1.5 Million

Pennsylvanians live in that expected danger zone

54,100 

tons of smog-causing VOC emissions are released by the gas industry in PA 

25%

of man-made warming results from methane emissions

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What Can Be Done

​The good news is that by implementing strong pollution standards, the industry can reduce methane emissions by 40-50% at no net cost – protecting the health of families and communities. And to protect those living near drilling and production operations, we support action that requires safe buffer zones between drilling sites and schools, playgrounds, streams, housing developments, and hospitals. We also support prompt reporting of spills, safety violations, or other actions or accidents that threaten public health.

Want to do more to defend your family's health?

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