Altmire joins Marcellus Shale caucus to dispel environmental "myths"

[Divernan]

Even though the House of Representatives already has a Natural Gas Caucus, a group of mainly Republicans, with tagalong Blue Dog Altmire has set up another caucus focused on Marcellus Shale. In political terms, these guys are setting themselves up to get lots and lots of campaign contributions, i.e, bribes from Big Oil. Their press release is replete with pro Big Oil/anti "Washington liberals and EPA bureaucrats" bias. I'm glad to see Altmire doing this. He will publicly align himself with Big Oil and opposed to "over-regulation". Then when the environmental/health disasters accumulate, he'll be an easier target in a primary. Unless he's already left the House for a fatcat lobbyist/advisor position.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11074/1132006-84.stm
WASHINGTON -- Aiming to educate colleagues and constituents, Rep. Mark Critz, D-Johnstown, is forming a special caucus on the Marcellus Shale natural gas play.

"We want to bring industry in and we want to bring in folks who are on the other side of the equation and get the full realm of the discussion going," Mr. Critz said. "Our goal mainly is to dispel any of the myths or untruths that are being talked about."

The "myths or untruths" mostly center on environmental concerns, Mr. Critz said, citing a recent New York Times article on potential radioactive contamination of Pennsylvania rivers that prompted a pushback from the state Department of Environmental Protection, which said its tests showed acceptable radiation levels.

"Before Washington liberals and EPA bureaucrats rush to judgment, it is necessary we weigh all the scientific data before over-regulating natural gas production -- as the Obama administration has done with coal," he said. "I also understand that landowners and other local families have concerns about development. That's why we formed this caucus -- as an arena for measured debate over the Marcellus Shale and its potential for responsibly creating new jobs and opportunities for West Virginia and other states."

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11074/1132006-84.stm#ixzz1GfTR3tJ7

[old mark]

1. Funny-I was just reading an article stating the GOP'ers in Congress

want very much to stop all funding to the EPA...that seems to be one of their 2 main goals in the current budget battle in Washington...End the EPA and stop all funding for Planned Parenthood.
That must be the republicans idea of job creation?
Seems that Corbett is just carrying out the wishes of the rich at the expense of everyone else.

K&R

mark

[PA Democrat]

2. UGH. It's bad enough when Republicans pull this crap.