Legislators Seek Hearings on Political Targeting by Gov. Kasich, ODNR and Fracking Industry
Source: EcoWatch
State Representatives Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) and Robert F. Hagan (D-Youngstown) today called on the Ohio Speaker of the House to hold legislative hearings to determine whether Gov. Kasich and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) are promoting the interests of the oil and gas industry rather than protecting the public interest.
Just days ago, a memo was uncovered that detailed how the ODNR and Gov. Kasich would stifle and discredit groups and elected officials concerned about fracking by teaming up with “allied” corporations to promote this controversial drilling technique in state parks. The document—obtained through an unrelated public records request—targets Democratic legislators and environmental watch groups as part of a strategy to marginalize public concern and advance oil and gas interests. Reps. Antonio and Hagan were included by name on a list of “opposition groups;” while “allied groups” included the Governor’s office, JobsOhio, and big oil and gas companies such as Halliburton.
“Clearly we need answers to find out if the public trust has been compromised on behalf of big gas and oil,” Rep. Nickie Antonio said. “I take my responsibility to be a steward of Lake Erie and clean and safe parks very seriously. I am stunned to find that perhaps the fox is actually in the henhouse.”
The governor’s office at first denied knowledge of the communication strategy, but has since admitted involvement when additional e-mail records revealed that the governor’s top aides were involved with drafting the plan.
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Read more: http://ecowatch.com/2014/02/18/legislative-hearings-political-targeting-kasich-fracking/
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