PG Editorial: Reaping the riches:Corbett's gas advisers give industry control in PA.

[Divernan]

This editorial is three times the length of the standard PG editorial. Never seen them do this before. It trashes Corbett's cabinet nominee, Walker, to head Dept. of Community and Economic Development, in excruciating detail. Nails him to the cross as it were, demands Corbett dump Walker and includes a link to the corrupt details of Walker's land deal.



http://www.post-gazette.com/forum/

Wastewater from natural gas drilling contains higher levels of radioactivity than previously known.

The concentrations of bromide in local waterways are ballooning and water treatment plants are not equipped to remove it.

With each revelation of newly discovered side effects of hydraulic fracturing in the Marcellus Shale deposits deep underground, it becomes more clear that Pennsylvania needs vigilant oversight and advice from a panel of experts whose credentials are above reproach.

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Instead, Gov. Tom Corbett has stocked his new Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission with industry executives and campaign contributors, including one with a background as a polluter. The composition of this panel does not inspire confidence that it will provide the governor with unbiased recommendations that are in the best interest of all Pennsylvanians.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11074/1131966-192.stm#ixzz1GfKYypUe

[Divernan]

1. Corbett campaign paid $306,500 by relatives of nominated DEP secretary.

"The significance of the work this group is charged with -- figuring out how to balance job creation and environmental protection -- was magnified by a one-two punch of newspaper investigations this month. First, a New York Times report two weeks ago showed high levels of radiation had been detected in wastewater discharges at wellheads in Pennsylvania. Then Sunday's Post-Gazette reported that salty bromides in Western Pennsylvania rivers already have rendered some public water suppliers in violation of safe drinking standards.

"All of which makes the complexion of the Marcellus Shale commission so alarming.

"Thirteen of its 30 members have ties to the gas industry, compared with just four who are environmentalists. That kind of imbalance pales in comparison to the weight of campaign contributors on the panel.

"Thirteen members contributed $557,000 to Mr. Corbett's political campaigns since 2008; 12 of them are connected to firms or political action committees that gave $562,000; and another $306,500 came from relatives of Michael Krancer, the governor's nominee for secretary of environmental protection, of all things.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11074/1131966-192.stm#ixzz1GfMdtkaB