Range Backtracks: We Never, EVER Meant Fracking Non-Disclosure Agreement To Apply To Children

[hatrack]

EDIT

But Range's general counsel David Poole disavowed that statement in an Aug. 2 letter sent to the Hallowiches' attorney, Peter Villari, after the Post-Gazette stories on the hearing transcript appeared. In his letter, Mr. Poole said the "non-disparagement language" in the settlement applies to the Hallowich parents, but "Range has never, at any time, had the intention of seeking to hold a minor child legally accountable for a breach of that provision of the settlement agreement."

Mr. Poole, in his letter, also states that while Range has acknowledged that all the shale gas development around the Hallowiches' property "created a situation that was not ideal for the family or the companies," no tests showed the presence of pollutants in the air or water that could have affected the family's health. He also criticized Stephanie Hallowich for making what he characterized as "knowingly false" statements about the family's health problems, and Mr. Villari for waiting until the settlement hearing to raise questions about the gag order's application to the children.

Mr. Villari called claims that the shale gas companies didn't want the gag order applied to the Hallowich children "ridiculous." Frederick Frank, the attorney representing the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in its effort to have the confidential settlement agreement made public, said Tuesday that Mr. Poole's letter makes repeated references to information contained in that document.

"In order to defend themselves they've opened up their kimono," Mr. Frank said. "My position is they've totally waived the confidentiality of the agreement by releasing the letter [to a cable network], and we will seek the appropriate remedy from the court."

EDIT/END

http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/washington/hallowich-children-not-part-of-gag-order-698343/

[Champion Jack]

1. talk is cheap Range gasholes