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In the ad, released on Tuesday, Norton advocates a state ban
on hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, a controversial technique
that involves pumping water, sand and chemicals into a well to
extract oil or gas. The radio spot backs fracking moratorium
legislation passed by the Maryland Senate on Monday.
The ad was paid for by the consumer rights group Food & Water
Watch. In it, Norton speaks about how fracking could harm
Maryland’s environment, public health and the state's tourism
industry, according to a statement released by activists opposed
to the practice.
“There's strong evidence that fracking can poison our water and
air,” said Norton, who is from Columbia, Maryland. “It risks
both our health and our tourism economy.”
Norton also asked Republican Governor Larry Hogan to support the
fracking moratorium.
“Other states have banned fracking, but Governor Hogan is
indicating he may ignore the risks. Don’t let him,” Norton said.
New York and Vermont have already banned fracking. Illinois,
Florida, Ohio, California, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Colorado
and Pennsylvania are also considering legislation that would ban
or limit fracking.
(Editing by Laila Kearney; Editing by Will Dunham)
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