“Citizens groups and nonprofits around the nation are asking questions about environmental and health impacts of natural gas hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, and Pennsylvania charities are funding much of the debate, here and in other states.

“Foundations from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh have provided more than $19 million for gas-drilling-related grants since 2009, according to an Associated Press review of charity data. The money has paid for scientific studies, films, radio programs, websites and even trout fishing groups that monitor water quality.

“That’s led to expressions of gratitude from those who say state and federal governments aren’t doing enough on the issue, but also protests from some in the gas drilling industry, who claim there’s bias in the campaigns.

Read the full Associated Press story here.

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