PA Marcells News Digest
May 3, 2012
A VERY LARGE DIGEST. WE HAVE FINALLY CAUGHT UP ON THE FRACKING NEWS OF THE WEEK. WE ARE OUT TOMORROW, SO THE NEXT DIGETS WILL BE MAY 7
Releases
More Than 2,000 Truck Trips Already Removed from PA Roadways as New 18-Mile Water Pipeline Supplies Shale Drill Sites
Aqua America and PVR Partners joint venture already a “win-win;” alleviating traffic in local communities, benefitting residents and Marcellus operating companies
Wallaby
April 30
BRYN MAWR & RADNOR, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
“We’ve been in the water business for more than 125 years and shale drilling is a very water intensive business”
Link: http://wallaby.telicon.com/PA/library/2012/2012043072.HTM
Aqua America and PVR Partners joint venture already a “win-win;” alleviating traffic in local communities, benefitting residents and Marcellus operating companies
Wallaby
April 30
BRYN MAWR & RADNOR, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
“We’ve been in the water business for more than 125 years and shale drilling is a very water intensive business”
Link: http://wallaby.telicon.com/PA/library/2012/2012043072.HTM
DEP Announces Air Quality Awareness Week
DEP Newsroom
April 30
HARRISBURG -- Pennsylvania will join states across the nation in recognizing April 30 through May 4 as Air Quality Awareness Week, the Department of Environmental Protection announced today.
Throughout the week, air quality partnerships across the state will hold events teaching the public how to stay safe on air quality action days and how to cut down on air pollution.
Link: http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/newsroom/14287?id=19373&typeid=1
DEP Newsroom
April 30
HARRISBURG -- Pennsylvania will join states across the nation in recognizing April 30 through May 4 as Air Quality Awareness Week, the Department of Environmental Protection announced today.
Throughout the week, air quality partnerships across the state will hold events teaching the public how to stay safe on air quality action days and how to cut down on air pollution.
Link: http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/newsroom/14287?id=19373&typeid=1
Largest Private U.S. Water Utilities Exchange Subsidiaries
Wallaby
May 1
BRYN MAWR, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aqua America, Inc. (NYSE: WTR) announced today that it has completed the purchase of all of American Water Works Company, Inc. (NYSE: AWK) regulated operations in Ohio and simultaneously sold its regulated operations in New York to American Water. Aqua America is the largest investor-owned water utility in Ohio.
“This transaction is the latest and the largest of several acquisitions and purchases we have completed to transform the company by maximizing efficiencies and concentrating our efforts in states where we have critical mass”
Link: http://wallaby.telicon.com/PA/library/2012/2012050161.HTM
Wallaby
May 1
BRYN MAWR, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aqua America, Inc. (NYSE: WTR) announced today that it has completed the purchase of all of American Water Works Company, Inc. (NYSE: AWK) regulated operations in Ohio and simultaneously sold its regulated operations in New York to American Water. Aqua America is the largest investor-owned water utility in Ohio.
“This transaction is the latest and the largest of several acquisitions and purchases we have completed to transform the company by maximizing efficiencies and concentrating our efforts in states where we have critical mass”
Link: http://wallaby.telicon.com/PA/library/2012/2012050161.HTM
Concerned Citizens Announce Date for the Largest Fracking Rally in Washington, DC
Stop the Frack Attack
May 1
Washington, D.C—Today citizens from affected communities, together with environmental organizations and community groups, announced a call to action to demand an end to putting oil and gas drilling profits ahead of public health, clean water and air and the safety of our communities. This event will be the largest of its kind and will take place in on the West Lawn of the United States Capitol, Washington, DC from 10am to 2pm on July 28th, 2012.
Link: http://www.stopthefrackattack.org/concerned-citizens-announce-date-for-the-largest-fracking-rally-in-washington-dc/
Stop the Frack Attack
May 1
Washington, D.C—Today citizens from affected communities, together with environmental organizations and community groups, announced a call to action to demand an end to putting oil and gas drilling profits ahead of public health, clean water and air and the safety of our communities. This event will be the largest of its kind and will take place in on the West Lawn of the United States Capitol, Washington, DC from 10am to 2pm on July 28th, 2012.
Link: http://www.stopthefrackattack.org/concerned-citizens-announce-date-for-the-largest-fracking-rally-in-washington-dc/
DEP Fines RW Products More than $21,000 for Illegally Dumping Drilling Mud in Bradford County
Company Driver Intentionally Dumped Load in State Game Lands
Wallaby
May 3
WILLIAMSPORT -- The Department of Environmental Protection has fined RW Products LLC of Wheeling, W. Va., $21,029 for the illegal disposal of a reported 800 gallons of waste drilling mud on State Game Lands 219 in Warren Township, Bradford County, in December 2011.
“A driver for RW Products admitted that he intentionally dumped a load of oil-based waste drilling mud onto the ground,” North-central Waste Management Program Manager Patrick Brennan said. “This violated the Pennsylvania Solid Waste Management Act and the department’s penalty reflects this blatant disregard for the environment.”
Link: http://wallaby.telicon.com/PA/library/2012/2012050383.HTM
Company Driver Intentionally Dumped Load in State Game Lands
Wallaby
May 3
WILLIAMSPORT -- The Department of Environmental Protection has fined RW Products LLC of Wheeling, W. Va., $21,029 for the illegal disposal of a reported 800 gallons of waste drilling mud on State Game Lands 219 in Warren Township, Bradford County, in December 2011.
“A driver for RW Products admitted that he intentionally dumped a load of oil-based waste drilling mud onto the ground,” North-central Waste Management Program Manager Patrick Brennan said. “This violated the Pennsylvania Solid Waste Management Act and the department’s penalty reflects this blatant disregard for the environment.”
Link: http://wallaby.telicon.com/PA/library/2012/2012050383.HTM
Articles
War Over Natural Gas About to Escalate
Sierra Club launches 'Beyond Natural Gas' campaign.
Amy Harder
May 3
The rocky relationship between one of the world’s most influential environmental groups and the natural-gas industry is headed toward full-scale combat.
The Sierra Club is intensifying its natural-gas reform campaign and renaming it “Beyond Gas,” a spin-off of its decade-old “Beyond Coal” campaign seeking the phaseout of coal-fired power plants.
Link: http://www.nationaljournal.com/energy-report/war-over-natural-gas-about-to-escalate-20120503
Sierra Club launches 'Beyond Natural Gas' campaign.
Amy Harder
May 3
The rocky relationship between one of the world’s most influential environmental groups and the natural-gas industry is headed toward full-scale combat.
The Sierra Club is intensifying its natural-gas reform campaign and renaming it “Beyond Gas,” a spin-off of its decade-old “Beyond Coal” campaign seeking the phaseout of coal-fired power plants.
Link: http://www.nationaljournal.com/energy-report/war-over-natural-gas-about-to-escalate-20120503
Frack cleaner botches DEP application
‘Oversight’ would affect 720 in Shamokin Dam
Daily Item
Francis Scarcella
May 2
SUNBURY — The hazardous waste processing company that has yet to apply to the city’s zoning hearing board for permission to create a Sunbury transfer station calls errors in its application to the state Department of Environmental Protection “oversights,” one of which may have affected 720 Shamokin Dam households.
Link: http://dailyitem.com/0100_news/x1720499331/Frack-cleaner-botches-DEP-application
‘Oversight’ would affect 720 in Shamokin Dam
Daily Item
Francis Scarcella
May 2
SUNBURY — The hazardous waste processing company that has yet to apply to the city’s zoning hearing board for permission to create a Sunbury transfer station calls errors in its application to the state Department of Environmental Protection “oversights,” one of which may have affected 720 Shamokin Dam households.
Link: http://dailyitem.com/0100_news/x1720499331/Frack-cleaner-botches-DEP-application
Possible drilling raises concern
Coupon residents say answers have been scant so far
Altoona Mirror
Kay Stephens
May 3
COUPON - Residents on the Blair/Cambria county border around the village of Coupon say they have concerns about a developing effort to begin Marcellus Shale drilling in Logan Township.
Link: http://www.altoonamirror.com/page/content.detail/id/560475/Possible-drilling-raises-concern.html?nav=742
Coupon residents say answers have been scant so far
Altoona Mirror
Kay Stephens
May 3
COUPON - Residents on the Blair/Cambria county border around the village of Coupon say they have concerns about a developing effort to begin Marcellus Shale drilling in Logan Township.
Link: http://www.altoonamirror.com/page/content.detail/id/560475/Possible-drilling-raises-concern.html?nav=742
Dem House leaders push to revise gas-drilling law
Tribune-Democrat
Kathy Mellott
May 1
JOHNSTOWN — State Democratic House leaders are pushing for changes to Act 13, the state law enacted earlier this year to regulates and impose fees on the shale gas-drilling industry in Pennsylvania.
Link: http://tribune-democrat.com/local/x1720498280/Dem-House-leaders-push-to-revise-gas-drilling-law
Tribune-Democrat
Kathy Mellott
May 1
JOHNSTOWN — State Democratic House leaders are pushing for changes to Act 13, the state law enacted earlier this year to regulates and impose fees on the shale gas-drilling industry in Pennsylvania.
Link: http://tribune-democrat.com/local/x1720498280/Dem-House-leaders-push-to-revise-gas-drilling-law
Industry Coalition Releases New Drilling Standards
State Impact
Susan Phillips
May 2
Link: http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2012/05/02/industry-coalition-releases-new-drilling-standards/
State Impact
Susan Phillips
May 2
Link: http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2012/05/02/industry-coalition-releases-new-drilling-standards/
Fractivists to Rally in D.C. Against Drilling
State Impact
Susan Phillips
May 2
Link: http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2012/05/02/fractivists-to-rally-in-d-c-against-drilling/
State Impact
Susan Phillips
May 2
Link: http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2012/05/02/fractivists-to-rally-in-d-c-against-drilling/
Transco delays pipeline project one year
Herald Standard
Steve Ferris
May 2
The low price of natural gas has caused a company to delay construction of a proposed interstate pipeline system through Fayette, Greene and many other counties.
Link: http://www.heraldstandard.com/news/local_news/transco-delays-pipeline-project-one-year/article_30eeb130-0751-5c26-b32f-0d606e26b00e.html
Herald Standard
Steve Ferris
May 2
The low price of natural gas has caused a company to delay construction of a proposed interstate pipeline system through Fayette, Greene and many other counties.
Link: http://www.heraldstandard.com/news/local_news/transco-delays-pipeline-project-one-year/article_30eeb130-0751-5c26-b32f-0d606e26b00e.html
Shale drillers make water use requests despite reports of decreased activity
Ellwood City Ledger
Eric Poole
May 2
NEW CASTLE -- In spite of a reported scaling back in natural gas drilling activity around the region, the drilling industry is making increased drainage and water use requests for Marcellus and Utica shale-related projects.
Link: http://www.ellwoodcityledger.com/news/local_news/shale-drillers-make-water-use-requests-despite-reports-of-decreased/article_4d4eeda0-00c4-5363-8271-25a894d1324b.html
Ellwood City Ledger
Eric Poole
May 2
NEW CASTLE -- In spite of a reported scaling back in natural gas drilling activity around the region, the drilling industry is making increased drainage and water use requests for Marcellus and Utica shale-related projects.
Link: http://www.ellwoodcityledger.com/news/local_news/shale-drillers-make-water-use-requests-despite-reports-of-decreased/article_4d4eeda0-00c4-5363-8271-25a894d1324b.html
Democrats plan 'fix' for Act 13
Philly Burbs
Gary Weckselblatt
May 2
Each week since Gov. Tom Corbett signed Act 13 into law in mid-February, Steve Santarsiero has risen to speak on the House floor against the measure that imposes an impact fee on companies drilling in the Marcellus Shale.
Link: http://www.phillyburbs.com/my_town/palisades/democrats-plan-fix-for-act/article_916f446c-a1c5-5378-ae68-c92c8da0ac09.html
Philly Burbs
Gary Weckselblatt
May 2
Each week since Gov. Tom Corbett signed Act 13 into law in mid-February, Steve Santarsiero has risen to speak on the House floor against the measure that imposes an impact fee on companies drilling in the Marcellus Shale.
Link: http://www.phillyburbs.com/my_town/palisades/democrats-plan-fix-for-act/article_916f446c-a1c5-5378-ae68-c92c8da0ac09.html
Court denies Act 13 change
Observer-Reporter
Brad Hundt
May 2
A request by the state's Public Utility Commission to modify a preliminary injunction against Act 13, Pennsylvania's new oil and gas drilling law, has been turned down by the Commonwealth Court.
The commission asked last week that anyone be allowed to challenge local oil and gas drilling ordinances until Dec. 10, when zoning regulations under Act 13 are due to be implemented if it's not ruled unconstitutional. The Public Utility Commission contended the preliminary injunction was ambiguous, and Act 13 should be allowed to preempt local ordinances.
Link: http://www.observer-reporter.com/or/story11/05-02-2012-PUC-and-Act-13--the-latest
Observer-Reporter
Brad Hundt
May 2
A request by the state's Public Utility Commission to modify a preliminary injunction against Act 13, Pennsylvania's new oil and gas drilling law, has been turned down by the Commonwealth Court.
The commission asked last week that anyone be allowed to challenge local oil and gas drilling ordinances until Dec. 10, when zoning regulations under Act 13 are due to be implemented if it's not ruled unconstitutional. The Public Utility Commission contended the preliminary injunction was ambiguous, and Act 13 should be allowed to preempt local ordinances.
Link: http://www.observer-reporter.com/or/story11/05-02-2012-PUC-and-Act-13--the-latest
Dems aim to change Act 13
Observer-Reporter
Christie Campbell
May 2
State Democratic lawmakers are proposing six new bills aimed at changing Act 13, which addresses natural gas drilling throughout Pennsylvania.
Terming Act 13 "an industry-friendly Marcellus Shale law," House Demo-crats have offered the Marcellus Compact, which includes bills designed to restore municipal zoning rights, increase well fees to $75,000 and track drilling wastewater.
Link: http://www.observer-reporter.com/or/story11/05-02-2012-Act-13--quot-fix-quot-
Observer-Reporter
Christie Campbell
May 2
State Democratic lawmakers are proposing six new bills aimed at changing Act 13, which addresses natural gas drilling throughout Pennsylvania.
Terming Act 13 "an industry-friendly Marcellus Shale law," House Demo-crats have offered the Marcellus Compact, which includes bills designed to restore municipal zoning rights, increase well fees to $75,000 and track drilling wastewater.
Link: http://www.observer-reporter.com/or/story11/05-02-2012-Act-13--quot-fix-quot-
EPA acts for cleaner air
Republican Herald
Opinion
May 2
Most of the environmental concern about "fracking" naturally has been about water. The process to free gas trapped in the Marcellus Shale uses many millions of gallons per well. Rights to that water and the disposal of chemical-laced wastewater are key environmental concerns.
Link: http://republicanherald.com/opinion/epa-acts-for-cleaner-air-1.1308742
Republican Herald
Opinion
May 2
Most of the environmental concern about "fracking" naturally has been about water. The process to free gas trapped in the Marcellus Shale uses many millions of gallons per well. Rights to that water and the disposal of chemical-laced wastewater are key environmental concerns.
Link: http://republicanherald.com/opinion/epa-acts-for-cleaner-air-1.1308742
Diverse groups converge on Harrisburg to protest Gov. Tom Corbett's proposed budget cuts
Patriot-News
Jan Murphy
May 1
In a year when the proposed state budget makes cuts in so many places, there’s a lot of unhappiness to go around.
Environmentalists resent Gov. Tom Corbett for, in their view, giving preference to policies that aid the natural gas industry while doing little to advance renewable energy.
Civic and religious groups dislike cuts to public education.
Link: http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2012/05/diverse_groups_converge_on_har.html
Patriot-News
Jan Murphy
May 1
In a year when the proposed state budget makes cuts in so many places, there’s a lot of unhappiness to go around.
Environmentalists resent Gov. Tom Corbett for, in their view, giving preference to policies that aid the natural gas industry while doing little to advance renewable energy.
Civic and religious groups dislike cuts to public education.
Link: http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2012/05/diverse_groups_converge_on_har.html
Crucifying the EPA: What's wrong with federal enforcers enforcing?
Post-Gazette
May 2
Politics is the realm of hyperbole, metaphor and analogy. When opponents accuse others of waging a war against something, that doesn't mean guns and bullets are involved.
Link: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/opinion/editorials/crucifying-the-epa-whats-wrong-with-federal-enforcers-enforcing-634005/
Post-Gazette
May 2
Politics is the realm of hyperbole, metaphor and analogy. When opponents accuse others of waging a war against something, that doesn't mean guns and bullets are involved.
Link: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/opinion/editorials/crucifying-the-epa-whats-wrong-with-federal-enforcers-enforcing-634005/
Chesapeake strips CEO of chairmanship
Post-Gazette
Erich Schwartzel
May 2
Chesapeake Energy stripped its co-founder and chief executive officer, Aubrey McClendon, of his chairmanship Tuesday, the most dramatic step yet in the Oklahoma company's efforts to placate shareholders angry over a loan arrangement that allowed Mr. McClendon to quietly mortgage personal stakes in company wells.
Link: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/business/news/chesapeake-strips-ceo-of-chairmanship-634008/
Post-Gazette
Erich Schwartzel
May 2
Chesapeake Energy stripped its co-founder and chief executive officer, Aubrey McClendon, of his chairmanship Tuesday, the most dramatic step yet in the Oklahoma company's efforts to placate shareholders angry over a loan arrangement that allowed Mr. McClendon to quietly mortgage personal stakes in company wells.
Link: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/business/news/chesapeake-strips-ceo-of-chairmanship-634008/
Hospital to mine patient database for fracking ills
Pitt Trib
Bloomburg News
May 1
Geisinger Health System, a nonprofit chain of hospitals in eastern Pennsylvania, plans to use its database of patient records to determine whether natural gas drilling in the Marcellus shale is harming residents.
Link: http://triblive.com/state/1295005-74/gas-shale-fracking-health-according-geisinger-government-institute-natural-shell
Pitt Trib
Bloomburg News
May 1
Geisinger Health System, a nonprofit chain of hospitals in eastern Pennsylvania, plans to use its database of patient records to determine whether natural gas drilling in the Marcellus shale is harming residents.
Link: http://triblive.com/state/1295005-74/gas-shale-fracking-health-according-geisinger-government-institute-natural-shell
Donegal Township family sues Marcellus driller
Pitt Trib
Rich Cholodofsky
May 1
A Donegal Township family wants an Oklahoma-based natural gas drilling firm to halt operations on its 123-acre property, saying a lease signed five years ago does not specifically allow for Marcellus shale wells.
Link: http://triblive.com/state/1294923-74/drilling-kalps-marcellus-company-donegal-family-lawsuit-operations-acre-energy
Pitt Trib
Rich Cholodofsky
May 1
A Donegal Township family wants an Oklahoma-based natural gas drilling firm to halt operations on its 123-acre property, saying a lease signed five years ago does not specifically allow for Marcellus shale wells.
Link: http://triblive.com/state/1294923-74/drilling-kalps-marcellus-company-donegal-family-lawsuit-operations-acre-energy
Diverse groups converge on Harrisburg to protest Gov. Tom Corbett's proposed budget cuts
Patriot-News
Jan Murphy
May 1
In a year when the proposed state budget makes cuts in so many places, there’s a lot of unhappiness to go around.
Environmentalists resent Gov. Tom Corbett for, in their view, giving preference to policies that aid the natural gas industry while doing little to advance renewable energy.
Civic and religious groups dislike cuts to public education.
Link: http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2012/05/diverse_groups_converge_on_har.html
Patriot-News
Jan Murphy
May 1
In a year when the proposed state budget makes cuts in so many places, there’s a lot of unhappiness to go around.
Environmentalists resent Gov. Tom Corbett for, in their view, giving preference to policies that aid the natural gas industry while doing little to advance renewable energy.
Civic and religious groups dislike cuts to public education.
Link: http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2012/05/diverse_groups_converge_on_har.html
A Canary in the Coal Mine or A Cow in the Gas Land
Protecting Our Waters
Abby Sullivan
April 28
Concerns continue to grow among healthcare professionals about health risks from the natural gas extraction process, particularly from deep shale formations such as the Marcellus Shale. Dr. Poune Saberi, a doctor of Occupational and Environmental Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, has been monitoring the adverse health effects the industry on animals, people, and communities since the industry came to Pennsylvania. She recently voiced her concern in the op-ed “What the Frack: if Hydraulic Fracturing Kills Cows, What Can it Do to Us?” on the website VitaminW.
Link: http://protectingourwaters.wordpress.com/2012/04/28/a-canary-in-the-coal-mine-or-a-cow-in-the-gas-land/
Protecting Our Waters
Abby Sullivan
April 28
Concerns continue to grow among healthcare professionals about health risks from the natural gas extraction process, particularly from deep shale formations such as the Marcellus Shale. Dr. Poune Saberi, a doctor of Occupational and Environmental Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, has been monitoring the adverse health effects the industry on animals, people, and communities since the industry came to Pennsylvania. She recently voiced her concern in the op-ed “What the Frack: if Hydraulic Fracturing Kills Cows, What Can it Do to Us?” on the website VitaminW.
Link: http://protectingourwaters.wordpress.com/2012/04/28/a-canary-in-the-coal-mine-or-a-cow-in-the-gas-land/
Toxic Secrets: Pennsylvania’s Act 13 Prevents Public Health Research
Protecting Our Waters
Iris Marie Bloom
May 1
“You wouldn’t be able to prevent anyone else from getting hurt.”
–Kevin Osterhoudt, MD, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, referring to Act 13
Public health prizes prevention. The whole concept of public health dates back to a time when captains of sailing ships found that if they provided their sailors with fresh fruit, no one developed scurvy. When folks finally figured out that public water supplies were spreading disease, action followed quickly to save lives.
Link: http://protectingourwaters.wordpress.com/2012/05/01/toxic-secrets-pennsylvanias-act-13-prevents-public-health-research/
Protecting Our Waters
Iris Marie Bloom
May 1
“You wouldn’t be able to prevent anyone else from getting hurt.”
–Kevin Osterhoudt, MD, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, referring to Act 13
Public health prizes prevention. The whole concept of public health dates back to a time when captains of sailing ships found that if they provided their sailors with fresh fruit, no one developed scurvy. When folks finally figured out that public water supplies were spreading disease, action followed quickly to save lives.
Link: http://protectingourwaters.wordpress.com/2012/05/01/toxic-secrets-pennsylvanias-act-13-prevents-public-health-research/
Scarnati talks budget, Marcellus Shale, Santorum
Punxsutawney Spitit
Tom Chapin
April 30
— On the eve of lawmakers returning to Harrisburg to hash out details of Gov. Tom Corbett's proposed 2012-13 budget, state Sen.
Joe Scarnati said there's bright spots and not-so-bright spots.
Link: http://www.punxsutawneyspirit.com/content/scarnati-talks-budget-marcellus-shale-santorum
Punxsutawney Spitit
Tom Chapin
April 30
— On the eve of lawmakers returning to Harrisburg to hash out details of Gov. Tom Corbett's proposed 2012-13 budget, state Sen.
Joe Scarnati said there's bright spots and not-so-bright spots.
Link: http://www.punxsutawneyspirit.com/content/scarnati-talks-budget-marcellus-shale-santorum
Guest Column: Convert Oil Refineries To Process PA’s Marcellus Shale Natural Gas
Daily Times
Chris Freind
Opinion
May 1
Psst: Don’t tell anybody, but the worst-kept secret in Pennsylvania is that the natural gas industry --- the only economic salvation our dying state had--- is leaving in droves, replaced by job loss, budget holes and despair.
Link: http://www.delcotimes.com/articles/2012/05/01/opinion/doc4f9fe955e0cb2399497435.txt
Daily Times
Chris Freind
Opinion
May 1
Psst: Don’t tell anybody, but the worst-kept secret in Pennsylvania is that the natural gas industry --- the only economic salvation our dying state had--- is leaving in droves, replaced by job loss, budget holes and despair.
Link: http://www.delcotimes.com/articles/2012/05/01/opinion/doc4f9fe955e0cb2399497435.txt
Clean Air Council Helps Heinz Find 57 Ways to Oppose Natural Gas
EID Marcellus
April 30
The Clean Air Council out of Philadelphia seems to be popping up everywhere these days offering the same testimony at numerous compressor station hearings over the last several months. It brings along the same small group of reliable friends to offer the same comments, few of which have much of anything to do with the application at hand. The one consistent message, of course, is “no way, no how.
Link: http://eidmarcellus.org/marcellus-shale/clean-air-council-heinz/8392/
EID Marcellus
April 30
The Clean Air Council out of Philadelphia seems to be popping up everywhere these days offering the same testimony at numerous compressor station hearings over the last several months. It brings along the same small group of reliable friends to offer the same comments, few of which have much of anything to do with the application at hand. The one consistent message, of course, is “no way, no how.
Link: http://eidmarcellus.org/marcellus-shale/clean-air-council-heinz/8392/
SIERRA CLUB, UNIONS, CIVIL RIGHTS AND RELIGOUS LEADERS CALL ON GOVERNOR TO INVEST IN RENEWABLE ENERGY, INFRASTRUCTURE, AND EDUCATION
Pennsylvania Legislative Services
Nina Lehr
May 1
(full text below)
The Sierra Club and other organizations held a rally on the Capitol steps this afternoon to call on Gov. Corbett to promote policies that strengthen Pennsylvania's clean energy programs, infrastructure, and education system. Representatives from Sierra Club, LiUNA, NAACP, PA Council of Churches, and the state legislature spoke out about the need to take action on renewable energy, infrastructure projects, and education policies that will improve the state's economy.
Pennsylvania Legislative Services
Nina Lehr
May 1
(full text below)
The Sierra Club and other organizations held a rally on the Capitol steps this afternoon to call on Gov. Corbett to promote policies that strengthen Pennsylvania's clean energy programs, infrastructure, and education system. Representatives from Sierra Club, LiUNA, NAACP, PA Council of Churches, and the state legislature spoke out about the need to take action on renewable energy, infrastructure projects, and education policies that will improve the state's economy.
Robin Mann, Sierra Club President, stated "we are calling on the Corbett administration to throw away their playbook -- a playbook that was written by, and for, the fossil fuels industry and other special interests -- and to reverse their gutting of critical investments that can drive Pennsylvania towards a prosperous future for all." She indicated that prior to this administration Pennsylvania was nationally renowned as a leader in renewable energy but since taking office, Gov. Corbett has dismantled previously successful programs that advance renewable energy and energy efficiency in the state. She noted these programs fueled the growth of more than 100,000 jobs in Pennsylvania’s clean energy sector but by squandering opportunities to build on past progress the state is falling behind the rest of the country. She stated instead of investing in Pennsylvania’s infrastructure, such as bridges and rail systems, the Corbett administration is allowing the deterioration of bridges to continue while raising the fares and reducing the service of railways. She added “instead of investing in preparing our children for the economic opportunities of tomorrow through a strong public educational system, the Corbett administration is pulling back, robbing our kids of their full potential.”
Rep. Scott Conklin (D-Centre), joined at the podium by Rep. Patrick Harkins (D-Erie), stated the current administration wants to invest in nothing but carbon fuel but the future is in clean, renewable energy. He said the state could have 2.7 million jobs in clean energy but Pennsylvania has not gone far enough. He indicated green energy jobs are more than about saving the environment or having manufacturing plants but about placing people in good-paying jobs and giving them the training they need for a lifetime. He noted that over the past few years the government has neglected the responsibility to the people and the environment and forgot that the only way to get out of a recession is to create jobs.
Dwayne Jackson, First Vice President of the Pennsylvania State Conference of NAACP Branches, asked the governor and the state legislature to restore funding to education to ensure children in the Commonwealth are entitled to a free, public education. He stated many children across Pennsylvania come from poverty stricken school districts and the state needs to ensure those children receive a quality education.
Rick Smith read a statement from Abe Amoros, Legislative Director for the Laborers’ International Union of North American, which stated with 8,452 miles of roads and 6,000 bridges in need of repair, Pennsylvania must invest resources in infrastructure. He indicated the $3.5 billion of investment needed in the state would provide more than 100,000 jobs over the next five to ten years and “these good-paying, family-sustaining jobs will eventually provide a much-needed boost in local economies as workers – union and non-union alike – spend those dollars in their communities as they pay for their mortgages, groceries and vehicles to get to and from work every day.”
Andrew Kleeman, Senior Vice President with Mercury Solar Systems, stated that in 2006 the solar energy industry in Pennsylvania was about a $2 million per year industry and in 2011 built $680 million worth of solar projects in the state. He noted employment in the solar sector went from roughly 150 jobs to 4,700 jobs in the Commonwealth but this progress is at risk by the current administration’s agenda.
Rev. Sandy Strauss, Director of Public Advocacy for the Pennsylvania Council of Churches, stated investment in the state’s infrastructure would lift the economy, not act as a drain. “Not only will we create a safer and more efficient infrastructure to support business, industry, agriculture, tourism, and every day travel for all,” she explained, “but rebuilding and maintaining our infrastructure will mean ongoing employment for thousands of Pennsylvania workers who will provide further investment dollars through their tax contributions.” She added the health and strength of the nation depends on the ability of its citizens to understand issues and treat each other with respect, made possible through comprehensive, fair and effective education. She indicated while Pennsylvania has adopted a new school funding formula to address some of the injustices in the school system, little attention has been given to ensuring the state provide adequate funding to fully address the inequities and inefficiencies in the school districts.
Mike Brunelle, Executive Director of the SEIU Pennsylvania State Council, stated “Gov. Corbett and his administration is waging a war on workers, the middle class, good jobs and education and they will stop at nothing until they get their way.” He said the focus of this administration is to deliver an out-of-touch agenda that is going to set the state back and hurt people at whatever cost necessary. He indicated the state is now a place where corporate greed is rewarded by tax breaks, where quality education is only provided to those who can afford it, and where the value of working hard takes a back seat to an ideological desire to fulfill promises to out-of-state special interests.
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Democrats mount challenges to new fracking law
E&E News
Ellen M. Gilmer
May 3
(full text below)
Pennsylvania's new hydraulic fracturing law is turning black and blue.
E&E News
Ellen M. Gilmer
May 3
(full text below)
Pennsylvania's new hydraulic fracturing law is turning black and blue.
The landmark Act 13, which updates the state's Oil and Gas Act of 1984, has taken a beating since its quick February passage, facing blows on sections addressing chemical disclosure, tax rates and municipal zoning.
Next in line to throw a few punches are state House Democrats, who have stitched together a suite of six bills addressing what they consider to be weaknesses in the new law.
The bills, known together as the Marcellus Compact, were unveiled this week and accompanied by a host of promises from House lawmakers.
"It's our promise that we are committed to establishing strong protections for our water, our land and our air," Minority Leader Frank Dermody (D) said at a news conference. "It is our promise that we are committed to improving transparency and public accountability in Marcellus Shale drilling activities."
The headliner bill, to be sponsored by Dermody, would eliminate an Act 13 clause that strikes local authority to zone shale drilling activity (EnergyWire, April 2). A bill from Rep. Mike Hanna would increase taxes on drillers, and a bill from Rep. Steve Santarsiero would enhance environmental safeguards, like required distances between natural gas wells and public water sources.
An especially controversial section of Act 13 is a stipulation that doctors treating individuals harmed by drilling chemicals cannot publicly disclose those substances (EnergyWire, April 24). A bill to be sponsored by Rep. Matt Bradford would grant full medical disclosure.
Rounding out the compact are bills that would incentivize the hiring of Pennsylvania workers and strengthen safety practices for drilling wastewater, sponsored by Reps. Rick Mirabito and Phyllis Mundy, respectively.
It is unclear at this point whether Harrisburg has the political appetite to sink into another energy development debate this session, especially with the Legislature already grappling over the state's budget.
Given Act 13's short time on the books so far, the Legislature may be "hesitant to reopen the statute," said George Jugovic Jr., president and CEO of citizens group PennFuture.
But, he said, the law could use a revision. "While [Act 13] could be considered a valid attempt," he said, "it's not near perfect."
Jeff Schmidt, director of the Pennsylvania Sierra Club, said public backlash following Act 13's passage could put enough pressure on Democrats and Republicans alike to consider the Marcellus Compact.
"There are some Republicans who are open to looking at this," he said. "It's not being dismissed out of hand."
Once they are formally introduced, the Legislature has until November to work through the bills.
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