Indigenous leaders urge SEC to examine fracking firms in Patagonia

The Mapuche Confederation of Neuquén has asked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to investigate environmental risks posed by fracking in Argentina’s Vaca Muerta region.

Katie Surma and Keerti Gopal report for Inside Climate News.

In short:

The Mapuche Confederation delivered a letter to the SEC calling for a probe into the environmental and cultural harm from fracking operations in Patagonia.
The letter highlights methane gas leaks, fracking-induced earthquakes and toxic emissions affecting local communities.
The Mapuche also allege that U.S.-listed oil companies violate environmental practices abroad that they follow in their home countries.

Key quote:

"Our culture is threatened, our territories are invaded and contaminated, our flora and fauna are poisoned, our air is affected by chemicals and our soil is shaking at the same time as uncontrolled exploitation."

— Co-signers of the letter, including Jorge Nawel, leader of the Mapuche Confederation of Neuquén

Why this matters:

Fracking in Vaca Muerta threatens both the environment and the health of Indigenous communities. The Mapuche are urging greater transparency to ensure that U.S. investors are informed about the risks linked to these operations.

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