Murphy: Look to Renewables, Not Frac Sand Mining

Pat Murphy says he’s opposed to opening up counties in Northeast Iowa to silica sand mining.

Murphy is democratic candidate for Iowa's first congressional district. He says he supports a moratorium on mining in Allamakee and Winneshiek counties and doesn’t want Iowa to look like its neighbor to the east, Wisconsin. 

Silica sand is used in the process of hydraulic fracturing, also known as “fracking.” The sand is currently being mined in Clayton County. Murphy says he’s an advocate for renewable energy and supports expanding the state’s solar and wind power industries.

Hear Ben Kieffer's full River to River interview with Pat Murphy below.