N.C. fracking rule pulled after Halliburton objects

[unhappycamper]

http://www.rockymounttelegram.com/node/1970535

N.C. fracking rule pulled after Halliburton objects
The Associated Press
Saturday, May 4, 2013

RALEIGH – A new rule set for approval by the North Carolina Mining and Energy Commission requiring some disclosure of chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing has been withdrawn at the request of industry giant Halliburton.

~snip~

The rule-writing panel is under intense pressure from the Republican-controlled legislature to create rules that don’t discourage hydraulic fracturing and energy exploration. Those pressures were exposed in full view this year when legislation was proposed to remove two members from the commission, including the state geologist.

The chemical disclosure rule, as approved March 25 by the commission’s Environmental Standards Committee, would exempt certain chemicals from public disclosure if the company demonstrated they are trade secrets. But the rule is contentious because it would require operators to submit those trade secrets under seal to the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, in case the data is needed to treat injuries during an emergency.

Agency officials, however, don’t want to keep sensitive data on file because the information is a likely target for legal challenges. And Halliburton doesn’t want the government to safe-keep proprietary information that competitors could try to pry loose under freedom of information laws.

[DCKit]

1. WTH is it going to take to find out what they're poisoning U.S. with? nt

[Nihil]

3. Pitchforks? Rope & lamp-posts?

I wouldn't put much hope in any non-violent solution while the status quo is
so heavily weighted in favour of corporations and their bought-out politicians.

[Champion Jack]

2. Our corporate overlords fucking us again