The “perfect storm” is an expression that describes an event where a rare combination of circumstances will aggravate a situation drastically. The Perfect Greed is where an all too prevalent combination of Corporations, Politicians and Governmental Agencies which increase profits and power to the detriment of REAL people.
Two articles caught my eye this morning. At first, they appeared somewhat connected as both concern Natural Gas industrialization of Pennsylvania. I was wrong, they are not “somewhat” connected, they are very connected.
The first article is: Environmental groups criticize proposed pollution limits on engines used in gas drilling | By Don Hopey / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | January 13, 2013
Excerpt (emphasis added) : But after two years of lobbying by the gas drilling industry, the DEP decided to allow the engines to emit three times more air pollution than what was initially proposed by the DEP’s Bureau of Air Quality in 2010, even though emissions-controls manufacturers say their equipment can meet lower emissions limits.
The DEP can institute a general permit program for such “minor sources” if it determines that air pollution sources in a particular category are similar and standardized regulations can be applied. Such a “one-size-fits-all” regulation is favored by industry because it streamlines the permitting process to less than 30 days. The proposal under review also would eliminate the opportunity for public comment on individual gas development operations.
Note:
TWO years of lobbying by the Natural Gas Industry.
ONE-SIZE fits all regulation by Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
Elimination of PUBLIC COMMENT
Here we have a convergence of the Natural Gas Industry and DEP (an agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania).
This change applies to the mid-stream industrialization and would include pipelines, compressor stations, metering stations, glycol dehydration plants, etc. Natural Gas drilling activities is more than just drilling. The elimination of Public Comment would mean, YOU, as a citizen of Pennsylvania would have absolutely no opportunity to express concerns regarding the location of these industrial facilities. They could be put next door to a school, a hospital, a public park, or right next door to your home and you would be powerless to object.
The next article brings in the Politicians. It comes direct from Senator Gene Yaw (R-23rd district of PA).
Senators Yaw and Pileggi Seek to Expand Natural Gas Access in Pennsylvania
Excerpt (emphasis added): HARRISBURG – Senator Gene Yaw (R-23) and Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9) announced today that they will introduce legislation designed to make natural gas available to more Pennsylvanians. The Pennsylvania Natural Gas Expansion and Development Initiative will promote the expansion, distribution and use of low-cost, energy-efficient, Pennsylvania-produced natural gas, thus developing an intrastate market for our own resources.
Senator Yaw said the lack of infrastructure affects both rural and urban communities. “That lack of service is a barrier to future development and job creation, but it is a barrier that we can and should remove,” he said
Note: “..barriers to future development….”
Yaw and Pileggi are referring to compressors, pipelines, metering stations, glycol dehydration plants and all of the rest of mid-stream industrialization. The political spin to mollify the generally uninformed public is this will be good for “job creation”. How often have we heard that one?
So what are the “..barriers to future development….”? Regulations for one thing. Yes, those pesky regulations which are suppose to be in place to protect REAL people from harm and exploitation.
Eliminate or gut the regulations and you eliminate “..barriers to future development….”. One of these barriers is pollution limits on engines used in gas drilling (and mid-stream industrialization).
Another barrier to future development would be PUBLIC COMMENT. Public comment is important; it provides the public with a venue in which to express their views and concerns about something which will directly impact their lives. Eliminate PUBLIC COMMENT and you eliminate discussion of an issue. It avoids any potential controversy and/or undesirable press coverage.
Under the Constitution of the United States, as amended by the Bill of Rights we have:
Amendment I: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Is not a “HEARING” a means of petitioning the Government? Is not voicing your views at a “HEARING” a form of speech? Is not submission of comments a form of FREE SPEECH and PETITIONING THE GOVERNMENT?
None of these things are being done for the benefit of REAL Pennsylvanians. It is being done to benefit the Natural Gas Industry, the campaign coffers of Politicians, and with the blessings of political appointees to Pennsylvania governmental agencies.
Welcome to GASylvania, please be sure to wear a gag and an air filter.
P.S. I wouldn’t drink the water either.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
We have no elected government in Pennsylvania-what we have is the pretext of a government that functions lock, stock, and barrel for the gas companies and their massive associated industries. The pretext is a particularly despicable ruse since it (a) deceives people into thinking they have representation, and (b) allows those who know that this is a lie to hide behind “government” all the while the despoil our water, destroy our communities, and rape what remains of our wherewithal.
Wendy Lynne Lee
Once again, Dory hits the nail right on the head!!!
Yes…..spot on again!! Makes my stomach so sick to see the realities of what has happened, and what is being attempted there. Somehow this madness must stop!!!
Hey NY, and others in neighboring states - do you realize PA’s stinky air is going to by YOUR stinky air tomorrow? Air doesn’t stop at a line on a map
Important reporting; thank you.
Stan Scobie, Binghamton, NY
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