An earthquake forum to be held Tuesday on the campus of the University of Central Oklahoma will feature environmentalist Erin Brockovich, the advocate whose life story was turned into a movie starring Julia Roberts.
She and others will discuss the number of earthquakes in the state and their connection to wastewater disposal wells. The event will begin at 4:30 p.m. in the Constitution Hall on campus.
Brockovich entered the picture in November of last year when she took to Facebook and posted a message following a 4.7 magnitude earthquake in the state.
“This is becoming very scary,” stated Brockovich, “the property damage people are reporting to me is indcative of a much more serious and long-term problem.” She also asked property owners to email her.
On Monday, a 3.7 magnitude earthquake was reported in Major County at 9:17 a.m.
Opening remarks will be made by Rep. Richard Morrissette (D-OKC), the House District 92 legislator who’s been critical of Governor Mary Fallin and her plans to handle the growing number of earthquakes. He contends the disposal wells should be shut down, perhaps bringing an end to the stronger earthquakes in central and northern Oklahoma.
Brockovich will speak after Morrissette then others will join the discussion, including Little Rock, Arkansas attorney Scott Poynter who has led the filing of lawsuits against energy companies over the Prague earthquake. Ponca Tribal Council member Casey Camp-Horinek will speak as will Robert Jackman, a Tulsa Petroleum Geologist. Johnson Bridgwater, director of the Oklahoma Sierra Club and officials with the Oklahoma Insurance Department will also speak during the three-hour event.
The event will be free to the public.