We call him “Smokey” Joe because he loves any kind of energy that creates dirty air.
“Smokey” Joe is a working interest owner in some top producing Johnson County Barnett Shale gas wells.
an interest in natural gas wells that he purchased from a longtime campaign donor who also advised the congressman on energy policy, according to interviews and records.
The donor, Walter G. Mize, convinced “Smokey” Joe to start “a federal oil and gas research program that was included in a 2005 energy law”. You might remember that the 2005 Energy Policy Act exempted hydraulic fracturing from regulation by the EPA under the Clean Water Act.
Barton’s interest could become controversial at a time when Congress is considering sweeping energy legislation that would boost demand for natural gas. Congressional experts say such deals raise ethical questions for lawmakers, who are expected by the public to maintain a firewall between their personal finances and official duties.
Let’s see, isn’t Arlington part of “Smokey” Joe’s district? One Arlington resident has tested positive for drilling toxins in her body. She lives near this well, Carrizo UTA Facility.
You can read more about the kind of favors “Smokey” Joe’s oil and gas “research” program has dished out and how he denies any conflict at the Dallas Morning News.
Barton’s gas well stake raises ethical questions
February 2, 2010
By DAVE MICHAELS
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.
- Web |
- More Posts(5121)
Anonymous says
Just another example of one of our WP's in Austin!
Robert Finne says
According to the Common Cause report, “Deep Drilling, Deep Pockets,” which ranked 100 top recipients of the fracking lobby, Barton received $514,945 from Jan. 1, 2001, through June 30, 2011, while Cornyn received $417,556. The information was collected from federal election reports.
All four GOP members who represent portions of Tarrant County made the list. In addition to Barton, Rep. Michael Burgess of Lewisville ranked 55th, at $103,450; Rep. Kay Granger of Fort Worth was 68th with $87,829; and Rep. Kenny Marchant of Coppell was 99th with $64,200.
Read more: http://www.star-telegram.com/2011/11/10/3517053/report-details-congressional-donations.html#ixzz1dQ64DHNs
TXsharon says
Yeah, Robert, but Smokey Joe is against allowing two men to get married and have and abortion so that makes him a good guy. :/