Natural gas drillers' errand boy in PA Senate takes Super Bowl trip courtesy of Consol Energy

[PA Democrat]

The state Senate president, a key player in the debate over natural-gas drilling in Pennsylvania, accepted a free trip from one of the state's largest energy companies to see the Pittsburgh Steelers play in the Super Bowl.

Senate President Pro Tem Joe Scarnati, R-Brockway, had his ticket, plane ride and hotel bill paid for by Consol Energy Inc., a major coal producer and one of the companies drilling for natural gas in the Marcellus Shale, according to Mr. Scarnati's top aide.

Mr. Scarnati and other top Senate Republicans were frequently singled out by former Gov. Ed Rendell and environmental advocates for blocking an extraction tax on shale drilling, even in the face of a projected $4 billion state budget deficit. Pennsylvania is the largest gas-producing state without such a tax.



Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11045/1125278-454.stm#ixzz1E1zA5KGZ

[PA Democrat]

1. Update: after much unfavorable press coverage Scarnati (R- Scumbag)

says he will reimburse Consol Energy for the cost of the trip.

HARRISBURG -- The leader of Pennsylvania's Senate said Monday that he would repay one of the state's largest energy companies for his trip to this year's Super Bowl in Texas.

Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati, R-Jefferson, announced through Twitter and Facebook that he would reimburse Consol Energy Inc. in full for the trip, which included airfare, hotel and Super Bowl tickets.

"I will fully reimburse Consol for Super Bowl expenses," Mr. Scarnati wrote. "Was planning to from the start, but don't have paperwork yet."

He could not be reached for further comment. Executives from Consol, one of the companies drilling for natural gas in Pennsylvania's Marcellus Shale, did not return calls.



Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11046/1125499-454.stm#ixzz1E20hBsIc

[blue neen]

2. Here's another classic:

"Asked why Mr. Scarnati was paying for the flight with campaign funds, Mr. Crompton responded: "Campaign issues were discussed on the flight."

Consol executives and lobbyists have contributed more than $15,000 to Mr. Scarnati's campaigns since 2006, state reports show.

"If he's using the campaign funds, Consol is paying for it anyway," said Barry Kauffman, executive director of Common Cause Pennsylvania. He said Mr. Scarnati should have paid the costs himself, up front."

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11046/1125499-454.stm#ixzz1E2RrOwjc
"

[livetohike]

3. My state senator and good luck in getting rid of him

We are as red as red can be up here in the north country. Just wake everyone up when it's time to push the "R" button :eyes:.