NC fracking bill orders prison time for disclosing chemicals, ignores health risks

[G_j]

http://www.southernstudies.org/2014/05/nc-fracking-bill-orders-prison-time-for-disclosing.html

North Carolina's legislature convened last week, and lawmakers introduced a bill that brings the state one step closer to allowing oil and gas drilling.

One aspect of the Energy Modernization Act (SB 786) that's gotten considerable attention is the provision that would make it a Class I felony for someone to intentionally disclose chemicals in fracking fluids that are classified as trade secrets. A conviction of this lowest-level felony could bring civil fines and several months in prison.

The bill requires the state geologist in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to serve as the custodian of trade secrets, including ingredients in fracking fluid. It allows information about such secrets to be disclosed only to emergency responders, health care providers dealing with emergencies, and federal and state agencies that need the information to carry out their functions.

Hannah Wiseman, a Florida State University assistant law professor who studies fracking regulations, told Mother Jones that North Carolina's proposed law "is far stricter than most states' provisions in terms of the penalty for violating trade secrets." She said that the bill was "so poorly worded" that it's unclear whether emergency responders would be charged with a felony for disclosing the information they obtain legally.

But while the bill is careful to protect what corporations claim are trade secrets, it fails to address some of the biggest risks fracking poses for the environment, public health and landowners, according to an analysis by the N.C. Conservation Network.

..more..

[woo me with science]

1. K&R Expect even more like this after Obama gets his TPP.

The health and welfare of our people, our nation, and the planet itself are being sold out by purchased politicians for the profit of their corporate masters.

[arely staircase]

2. always with the obama

On and on about the Obama.

[woo me with science]

3. It's a shame that our electoral system is so corrupted by corporate money

that both major parties now run corporate puppets as a matter of course.

A non-corporate option will face vicious opposition by the Third Way and Republican corporate machine...but I think this nation, and hopefully the grass roots of our own party, is getting closer to a time when the people have had enough and are ready to demand real representation.

[arely staircase]

9. you tell 'em nt

[11 Bravo]

6. Oh for fuck's sake, get over it! If it rained in your neighborhood today ...

Obama did NOT cause it to happen. Likewise, if you are cranky, constipated, or just plain out of sorts; it ain't the fault of the man who occupies the Oval Office.

[woo me with science]

7. Get over it?

Get over a proposed trade deal that will slash jobs, lower wages for millions, *and* open the door to more unconscionable legislation like this by prioritizing corporate profits over workers' rights and environmental and safety regulations?

Because that's *exactly* what the TPP is designed to do: increase corporate power in situations like this and make it easier for corporate interests to overrun, overrule and override the protection of citizens.

http://www.exposethetpp.org/TPPImpacts_TheEnvironment.html

[G_j]

4. Emails Reveal North Carolina Officials’ Close Ties With Fracking Lobby Groups

http://ecowatch.com/2014/05/16/emails-reveal-officials-close-with-fracking-lobbyest/

In North Carolina, Halliburton and other fracking industry interests helped write a fracking chemical disclosure bill. But when that bill ended up requiring disclosure of harmful chemicals to the state environmental agency, the bill was killed and replaced with one that further limited disclosure of the chemicals used in fracking.

A cache of emails obtained by Greenpeace has revealed the cozy relationship between the hydraulic fracturing industry and North Carolina’s Mining and Energy Commission.

The Mining and Energy Commission (MEC) was set up after an errant vote by a state senator legalized fracking in North Carolina. Because the state had not seen oil and gas drilling in recent history, the Mining and Energy Commission was tasked with writing oil and gas regulations, specifically for fracking. The 15 members of the MEC propose regulations for fracking which are then passed on to the North Carolina legislature to be turned into law.

Emails and meeting schedules from members of the North Carolina’s Mining and Energy Commission reveal how various fracking companies and national lobby groups, including America’s Natural Gas Alliance (ANGA), Energy in Depth (EID), Halliburton and Koch Industries, influenced the Mining and Energy Commissioners, in regards to disclosure of chemicals used in fracking.

..more..

[mountain grammy]

11. No surprise here.

[Elwood P Dowd]

5. Republicans are going full blown fascism and no longer give a shit what the 99% thinks

or how much damage they do to us little people or our environment. I'm afraid its going to take another Great Depression, massive health disasters, or both combined before the dumb ass repuke voting public wakes the hell up.

[KamaAina]

8. McCrony and Pope the Dope continue to bring the Tar Heel State to ruin.

[Solly Mack]

10. K&R

[WillyT]

12. K & R !!!

[elehhhhna]

13. how in the FUCK is that shit legal?