Revolving Door: Climate Edition

               Mother Jones....Josh Harkinson
SMOKE SCREEN released by the Citizens
for Responsibility and Ethics reveals that
20 former Bush appointees have taken jobs
in government relations and lobbying.
Exxon,coal,and chemicals.Read more:
http://motherjones.com/blue-marble/2009/12/how-bush-insiders-are-influencing-climate-debate

In Exxon Deal Signs of the New Gusher

      New York Times...By:  Jad Mouawad & Clifford Krauss
Exxon Mobil has purchased XTO for
31 Billion. This acqusition extends
Exxon's bet that fossil fuels will
remain a critical part of our Nation's
energy supplies for decades.

Shale gas drilling poses some en-
vironmental concerns in the com-
munities where it occurs.

XTO reported a 23 percent jump
in gas production in the third
quarter. Exxon will assume XTO's
10 Billion in debt as part of the deal.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/15/business/energy-environment/15exxon.html?th&emc=th

Hydraulic Fracturing Natural Gas Boom Hits Obstacle

Groundwater Contamination
      Blogging Stocks.... By: Joseph Lazzaro
Perhaps Initial euphoria over prospects
for a massive increase in natural
gas supply~~both in the U.S. and
globally~~ were a bit premature.
The reason, new technologies such
as hydraulic fracturing to access
the gas are causing environmental
problems. Mainly, drinking water wells
and water supplies.The New York
Times reported. The incidence of
groundwater contamination is thin
but, environmental groups say
that's because government has
been slow to monitor and not
looking hard enough for contami-
nation.
   ENERGY ANAYLSIS:
Obviously a setback for natural
gas, as new technology must be
sensitive to drinking water sup-
plies. A comparatively cheap
energy but not worth contamin-
ating wells or groundwater.
Investors should take a wait
and see approach, pending an
EPA review to see if the new
technology can be made safe.
 http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/12/10/hydraulic-fracturing-natural-gas-boom-hits-obstacle-groundwater/

TCEQ Gives Green Light To Another Texas Coal Plant

Public Citizen ~ Texas VOX  .....by citizensarah

  The dramatic irony of TCEQ to grant NRG
Limestone Coal Plant an air permit just when
leaders of the world are meeting to save our
planet from global warming. Texas gives the
green light to build another mercury spewing
asthma inducing coal plant.

  Next legislation session TCEQ will undergo
the Sunset Review process, which will give
us a chance to reform TCEQ permitting process.

If allowed to continue, NRG will release:
2,102 tons per year SO2 forms smog
1,752 TPY of NOX forms ozone
1,226 TPY of particulate matter which
causes respiratory illness.
140 pounds PY of Mercury which causes
birth defects and developmental problems
in children
Full story: http://texasvox.org/2009/12/09/tceq-gives-green-light-to-another-texas-coal-plant/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TexasvoxTheVoiceOfPublicCitizenInTexas+%28TexasVox%3A+The+Voice+of+Public+Citizen+in+Texas%29
CEC also a party in case against this permit.

TCEQ HOLDS WATER HEARING

       Corsicana Daily Sun.........Bob Belcher

A public hearing on a water discharge permit for a proposed
Power Plant in Navarro County at Dawson Auditorium on
Monday night brought out about 125 people.
The hearing conducted by TCEQ had a question and comments
for regulators and plant developers.

CEC's Director and several members were present. Our Director
Charles Morgan called for the permit to be "held to the
highest standards" in protecting the environment.
Vicky Prater of COPPS said"we do not want our land, water,
and childrens' lives affected."

Corsicana Mayor Buster Brown, Lindsey King speaking for Navarro County Board of Realators, and Lee McCleary economic developer
for city and county are in favor of the plant.
MORE:http://www.corsicanadailysun.com/local/local_story_342100150.html    

Air tests at Natural Gas drilling sites fuels concerns

Barnett Shale....From Dallas Morning News

   Tests showing high concentrations of benzene and
other toxic chemicals in the air, near drill sites and
other facilities have brought new focus on the natural
gas industry and public health. Cities, counties, and
the states' environmental agency are anxiously await-
ing an analysis of regional testing and any potential
actions that could follow. Long term exposure to
benzene in the air can cause leukemia.
Dish test emissions shows levels of chemicals exceeding
TCEQ limits. Read full story here.. http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/stories/120409dnmetdrilling.3f39993.html

Natural Gas Drilling Harms Eyes Causes Tumors

Destroys Air: The Ugly Truth Behind the 'Natural' Energy Source
 from...Planet Green  by: Rachel Cernansky

With exemptions from the most fundamental evironmental protect-
tions including the Clean Air and Safe Drinking Water Acts, the
oil and gas industry has been able to get away with polluting land,
air and water supplies - and getting people sick every step of the
way. The industry relies on a method called hydraulic fracturing
or fracing to access most of the gas reserves underground, is not
required to disclose types or amounts of chemicals used while
drilling. Making it difficult for scientist, and doctors to find ill effects
on the environment and human health.

According to Dr. Theo Colburn 2-BE a chemical used in emulsifing
can enter the home through a water well, which means it will be in
water used for drinking, bathing, showering, doing laundry and dishes.
More regulation is needed, solutions already exsist. Read more
here http://planetgreen.discovery.com/food-health/gas-drilling-harms-eyes.