When do we get a strong statement from Governor Beebe on the environmental issues we face in Arkansas? The ADEQ and other state agencies involved with environmental conservation still appear to be operating under antiquated, Republican-promulgated rules.
Turn the inspectors lose and stop the abuse!
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Governor's, Sheffield Nelson's plans differ
Beebe negotiating on severance tax 2/27/08
According to The Morning News, "Beebe opposes Nelson's plan because it would divvy proceeds of the tax increase among higher education, highway improvements and local governments. The governor wants to earmark an increase strictly to highways."
Nelson's plan is obviously written from an insider's perspective. He knows what is reasonable from the industry standpoint and he wants to spread the proceeds to benefit more people. However, neither plan mentions environmental problems related to gas production and drilling.
An equal share to guarantee environmental protectioin would help everyone. At a minimum, the fee should provide ongoing funding for a huge staff of inspectors with the power to instantly enforce environmental laws on well sites and roads built to drilling sites.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Gas-well sites pollute in many ways
Center for Watershed Protection free download of stream-protection brochures
PLEASE CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE
Gas-well sites require large areas of surface disturbance
PLEASE CLICK ON IMAGES TO RESTORE.
Who pays to restore these sites? The severance tax should be raised and a large fund created to guarantee that no site is left unrestored.
Fayetteville shale natural-gas exploration in Arkansas of special concern
PLEASE CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE.
Severance Tax in Arkansas is far too low
We need it raised before the cost of environmental damage starts hitting landowners and government agencies.
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