Two physicians groups have issued a 145-page report calling for an immediate halt to projects involving hydraulically fracked natural gas in the Northwest.

“Fracked Gas: A Threat to Healthy Communities” identifies six major projects, including a proposed $2 billion plant at the Port of Kalama to convert natural gas into methanol for export to Asia.

Hydraulic fracturing is a technique for extracting oil or gas from rock by injecting a high-pressure mix of water, sand or gravel, and chemicals.

Physicians for Social Responsibility in Washington and Oregon released their report Wednesday. The report comes as the Port of Vancouver weighs adopting a policy barring the port from pursuing new bulk crude oil or coal terminals.

Environmentalists advocating action to combat climate change have urged the port to expand that draft policy to encompass natural gas. Business organizations, including the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, have cautioned against adopting policies that could have “unintended consequences.”