​Her scientific work is pivotal in tying human harm to fossil fuel extraction August 8, 2025

Capital & Main

[Public health researcher Lisa McKenzie’s] work is pivotal to this sea change. It’s included in compendiums published in California and New York that span hundreds of pages. The pioneering scientist reflected on her extensive body of research and its impacts as she prepared for her retirement last month. Scientists she’s mentored call her humble, meticulous and brave — her studies have been publicly criticized by state health officials and the oil and gas industry. 

“I have little doubt that Lisa’s research contributed significantly to the ban on hydraulic fracturing in the state of New York — it was a meaningful part of the compendium released by Physicians for Social Responsibility at the national level,” said Lauren Swain, coordinator for the group’s Colorado chapter.