Yesterday I posted the following which, to those who don’t know much about the Texas Railroad Commission’s record, might seem like Williams is considering the best interest of those he serves.
TRC Requests Drilling Moratorium Opinion From Attorney General
The Chronicle’s Energy Blog has a quote from Williams who greatly desires Hutchinson’s Senate seat:
*I talked to Williams this afternoon and he said the issue of whether or not to ask for the AG opinion will be on the RRC agenda next Tuesday. “I think there are serious doubts we have the authority,” Williams said, and likely opposition to such a move “given the dollars the drilling generates for the state and the need for gas.”
In Texas, money is always more important than human health and safety.
In case you’re confused, the Railroad Commission of Texas is the agency that oversees drilling and oil production in Texas. At one point in history the RRC was the biggest driver of global oil prices. It’s an interesting history.
Tests done by the town of Dish found high benzene levels in the air near a natural gas compressor station, while the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has also found high levels of benzene and other substances there and elsewhere in the Barnett that are a cause of concern. The agency has started a procedure of rapid-response to air quality complaints in the Barnett shale area and has a larger report on air sampling pending.
About Sharon Wilson
Sharon Wilson is considered a leading citizen expert on the impacts of shale oil and gas extraction. She is the go-to person whether it’s top EPA officials from D.C., national and international news networks, or residents facing the shock of eminent domain and the devastating environmental effects of natural gas development in their backyards.
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Yes…yes…dollars generated seem to be the main concern. I don't understand, with what they know about Benzene and finding record high levels in Texas…WHAT THE HECK are they waiting for?!? Stop the drilling, find the faulty equipment, install emission control devices…geez, it's not that complicated!