Pennsylvania has a responsibility ensure that all appropriate measures are taken to maximize the safety of our oil and gas workers. That is why I intend to introduce legislation to create a pilot program to require employees at select oil and gas wells to wear radiation detectors, known as dosimeters, while on the job for one year. This will provide more accurate information on how much radiation exposure these individuals and the communities near these drilling sites face.
 
Across Pennsylvania, nearly 30,000 individuals work in the petroleum or natural gas industries, with many of these employees working on drilling sites that provide these fuels. Individuals working these jobs face the risk of radiation exposure, which can lead to lung cancer when radioactive substances are inhaled. And while the Department of Environmental Protection requires waste from certain drilling sites to be tested for radioactivity, more precautions must be taken to ensure the safety of those working in the oil and gas industries.
 
Our oil and gas employees deserve to have the utmost protection from the dangers they face when working to provide Pennsylvania residents with the energy they need. Please show your support for these hardworking individuals by co-sponsoring this important legislation.