Ex-State Health Official: Pennsylvania Didn’t Study Fracking’s Health Effects
Former Pennsylvania Health Secretary Eli Avila said Gov. Tom Corbett did the state’s citizens a “disservice” by not having the state study the potential health effects of fracking. “The lack of any action speaks volumes,” Avila said. “Don’t BS the public. Their health comes first.”
Avila is now the public health commissioner for Orange County, New York. He made the comments after retired state officials said they were silenced on responding to residents with questions about fracking’s health claims. “What are you so afraid that we’re going to uncover?” Avila told the Associated Press. “It’s not that I’m against fracking. I’m sure it’s helping many individuals financially.”
The Corbett administration denies it has involved itself with the health department.
You may remember Avila from The Great Egg Sandwich Saga, which began with a dispute over an egg sandwich at popular Harrisburg lunch spot Roxy’s and ended with a $75,000 settlement. Miffed over the sandwich, Avila apparently sent state health investigators to Roxy’s and discouraged friends and state employees from visiting the spot. During his time in office, he also ordered special “Department of Health” windbreakers for his employees.
