Call For Open Public Forum In Light Of Private Closed Meeting Attended By Governor Kasich, Brookfield Officials

Frackfree Mahoning Valley                                        News Release

www.frackfreemahoning.blogspot.com/
_______________________________________________________

For Immediate Release: May 31, 2012

Contact: Susie Beiersdorfer:  Phone:  234-201-0402  or E-mail: frackfreemahoning@gmail.com ____________________________________________________

  FRACKFREE MAHONING VALLEY CALLS FOR OPEN PUBLIC FORUM DEBATES IN LIGHT OF THE PRIVATE CLOSED MEETING ON FRACKING TO BE ATTENDED BY GOVERNOR KASICH AND OTHER OFFICIALS MAY 31, 2012 IN BROOKFIELD, OHIO

  Youngstown, Ohio – A Youngstown-based group of concerned citizens, Frackfree Mahoning Valley, is calling for televised, open public forum debates on the topic of fracking and related processes.  They believe this is especially important in light of yet another closed-to-the-public meeting on fracking to be attended by Ohio Governor Kasich, officials, legislators, and gas drilling representatives on May 31 in Brookfield, Ohio at the Yankee Lake Ballroom.

“As the controversy surrounding risks of fracking and related processes accelerates nationwide, the public needs more openness, more transparency, and   more answers – not less.  The general public, the very people and families whose health and safety are directly affected by official decisions regarding fracking, should have a say and an important seat at the table. They do not at this meeting.  Officials are not getting the whole picture of the risks of fracking by refusing to allow public feedback in this setting. Especially when the possibility of selling mineral rights related to a park and a cemetery is being mentioned, as quoted in an article in the SharonHerald.com, the public needs to have a say and knowledge of what is being considered,” said geologist Susie Beiersdorfer of Frackfree Mahoning Valley.

(For more information see a news report from the SharonHerald.com, “Drilling stakeholders’ meeting closed to public,” by Sandy Scarmack, [May 30, 2012]:

http://sharonherald.com/local/x1647289140/Drilling-stakeholders-meeting-closed-to-public       )

  Frackfree Mahoning Valley believes that state officials holding meetings that are closed to the public, rushing legislation, imposing "gag rules" on doctors, giving special exemptions from law for the gas and oil industry and special "trade secrets" legislation do not provide much-needed transparency. These seemingly secretive measures do not inspire the public to have confidence in their elected representatives’ willingness to publically acknowledge legitimate public health and safety concerns and grievances.

Frackfree Mahoning Valley says that Ohioans should be able to hear real dialogue and actual debates between differing viewpoints in a town hall setting where people can speak freely. They say that Ohioans still have questions and concerns related to fracking  that have been left unanswered.

For this reason, Frackfree Mahoning Valley is calling upon legislators to participate in publicized, preferably televised, real debates among state officials, experts, authorities, physicians, public health experts, public advocates, and the general public. In this election season, voters in Ohio, especially as a pivotal voting state, deserve transparency and an honest dialogue that is open to media and public scrutiny.  The public deserves to hear a real debate about fracking and the issues that are so important for all Ohioans and their families.

That dialogue could include many items of interest including fracking – related earthquakes and preparedness plans, the disposal of toxic fracking waste in deep injection wells, possible risks to drinking water and air pollution, a public awareness campaign to enlighten landowners regarding how signing a mineral lease might adversely affect their mortgage agreement, increased fracking-related truck traffic, and more.

Ohioans and especially medical professionals need a clarification of the doctor's "gag rule" clause in SB 315 since it has reportedly been revised. Citizens need to know how their private medical relationships with their doctors might be affected and how physicians' ability to freely discuss public health fracking concerns with their colleagues at medical conferences might be affected. Physicians should not be encumbered with concerns put upon them by the gas and oil industry or by misguided legislation.

Members of Frackfree Mahoning Valley agree that the risks of fracking and related processes such as deep injection wells for disposing of fracking toxic waste can no longer be ignored or swept under the rug.  This is a public health and safety issue that must be emphasized.

As an example of crucial questions that state officials need to hear and address, Frackfree Mahoning Valley cites the following highly informative NBC 4 news video and report titled “NBC4 Investigates: What’s In The Drilling Waste Water Traveling Into Ohio?” (5/23/2012).

The NBC4 news report examined just what happens to the massive amounts of toxic fracking-related waste coming into Ohio from several states for injection into deep wells and what exactly is in the waste.

Some viewers of the news report might deduce that if citizens and local officials are not allowed to know what exactly is in the “brine” toxic waste, isn’t the untested substance then able to be deemed quarantinable?

See the NBC4 video and news report here:

http://www2.nbc4i.com/news/2012/may/23/nbc4-investigates-whats-drilling-waste-water-trave-ar-1047008/

  Frackfree Mahoning Valley joins many other groups and individuals who are also questioning the oil and gas shale drilling industry’s efforts to drill near schools, especially in light of the health risks associated with gas drilling. This is also a topic that needs be addressed in local public debates.

A recent news video report by CBS4 Denver shows a moving effort by some Colorado mothers to protect their children from potential health effects of drilling near their local schools.

See the CBS Denver 4 report, titled, “Students Get Involved in Fight Against Fracking In Erie,” (May 22, 2012)  here:

http://denver.cbslocal.com/video/7316781-students-get-involved-in-fight-against-fracking-in-erie/

  Susie Beiersdorfer said:  “We hope that someone will step forward to work with us to make these proposed televised debates a reality.”

  See a previous Frackfree Mahoning Valley press release titled, “Citing Doctors’ ‘Gag Rule,’ Fracking Opponents Want an Immediate Delay on the Ohio SB 315 Vote Planned for May 23” :

http://www.frackfreemahoning.blogspot.com/2012/05/public-health-threat-opponents-call-for.html

For media inquiries or more information, e-mail: 

frackfreemahoning@gmail.com or call:

 234-201-0402 

 www.frackfreemahoning.blogspot.com

                                                                 # # #

Activists Calling for Transparency Arrested Outside Closed Gates to Private Closed Meeting Attended by Ohio Governor, Officials

Activists calling for transparency arrested outside closed gates to private closed meeting attended by Ohio Governor and select stakeholders in oil and gas industry Thursday.

Citizens Exercising Free Speech Rights Outside Closed Meeting Between Gas Industry and Government Officials

Gov Kasich was scheduled to give remarks at Trumbull Co Gas Forum closed to the public. Brookfield trustees announce BP permitted to drill under town park, cemetery, fire station. State Rep. hoped to hear info he can pass on to first responders.
The Public assembled in a Free Speech zone outside this gas drilling stakeholders’ meeting that is closed to the public [FFMa or ohiofracktion for details < http://bit.ly/KUuOsG >];
Sponsors: State Rep. Sean O'Brien, Tom Letson & Sen Capri Cafaro,
Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber of Commerce,
Ohio Chamber of Commerce,
Ohio Shale Coalition,
Ohio Energy Resource Alliance which has 6 branches:
Ohio Oil and Gas Association (OOGA),
Ohio Oil and Gas Energy Education Program (OOGEEP),
American Petroleum Institute (API),
Ohio Petroleum Council (OPC),
Buckeye Energy Forum,
Energy In Depth Ohio (EID-Ohio)
===
Invited: schools, business leaders, local officials, economic development organizations & oil and gas companies from Trumbull & Mahoning counties
_______________________________________________________________________________
Shale success uncertain, states gas industry official; Vindicator article: http://www.vindy.com/news/2012/may/31/too-soon-to-gauge-shale-success-forum-sp/?nw

 

Archangel of the Death of Fracking Walks With Cops Outside Ballroom, WKBN news video http://bit.ly/KPzkcZ

_______________________________________________________________________________

SEE earlier: http://frackfreemahoning.blogspot.com/2012/05/call-for-open-public-forum-in-light-of.html

FRACKFREE MAHONING VALLEY CALLS FOR OPEN PUBLIC FORUM DEBATES IN LIGHT OF THE PRIVATE CLOSED MEETING ON FRACKING TO BE ATTENDED BY GOVERNOR KASICH AND OTHER OFFICIALS MAY 31, 2012 IN BROOKFIELD, OHIO

Youngstown, Ohio – A Youngstown-based group of concerned citizens, Frackfree Mahoning Valley, is calling for televised, open public forum debates on the topic of fracking and related processes.  They believe this is especially important in light of yet another closed-to-the-public meeting on fracking to be attended by Ohio Governor Kasich, officials, legislators, and gas drilling representatives on May 31 in Brookfield, Ohio at the Yankee Lake Ballroom.
“As the controversy surrounding risks of fracking and related processes accelerates nationwide, the public needs more openness, more transparency, and   more answers – not less.  The general public, the very people and families whose health and safety are directly affected by official decisions regarding fracking, should have a say and an important seat at the table. They do not at this meeting.  Officials are not getting the whole picture of the risks of fracking by refusing to allow public feedback in this setting. Especially when the possibility of selling mineral rights related to a park and a cemetery is being mentioned, as quoted in an article in the SharonHerald.com, the public needs to have a say and knowledge of what is being considered,” said geologist Susie Beiersdorfer of Frackfree Mahoning Valley.
(For more information see a news report from the SharonHerald.com, “Drilling stakeholders’ meeting closed to public,” by Sandy Scarmack, [May 30, 2012]: http://sharonherald.com/local/x1647289140/Drilling-stakeholders-meeting-closed-to-public   )

Public Health Threat: Opponents Call For Immediate Delay of Ohio SB 315 Bill Vote Scheduled May 23

Frackfree Mahoning Valley                                  News Release

www.frackfreemahoning.blogspot.com/

_______________________________________________________

For Immediate Release: May 22, 2012

Contact: Susie Beiersdorfer: Phone: 234-201-0402 or E-mail: frackfreemahoning@gmail.com

______________________________________________________

CITING DOCTORS’ “GAG RULE,” FRACKING OPPONENTS WANT AN IMMEDIATE DELAY ON THE OHIO SB 315 VOTE PLANNED FOR MAY 23

Youngstown, Ohio – Citing a provision that they say could interfere in the private doctor-patient relationship, opponents of fracking and related processes say that they want an immediate delay of the vote by the Ohio House Public Utilities Committee on Senate Bill 315.

The group says that the doctors’ “gag rule,” as it has been dubbed, was quietly put into the bill, SB 315, after the public comment period had ended. The group is concerned that the general public and especially medical professionals have not yet been adequately informed about what is in the bill and its implications for doctors and their patients.

Donna Carver, who is a nurse, was quoted in an article found on nbc4i.com and attributed to the Associated Press and NBC 4 (May 21, 2012, “Environmentalists Criticize Ohio Drilling Rules”). An excerpt follows:

“‘This clause, as written, gags doctors from notifying the health department of possible contamination and exposure to the public to these chemicals,’ Carver said. ‘This does not protect Ohio citizens public health but it protects the oil and gas industry from liability.’ “

See the news video of some of the testimony here:

http://www2.nbc4i.com/news/2012/may/21/environmentalists-criticize-ohio-drilling-rules-ar-1044296/

Many groups who advocate a moratorium or ban on fracking thank the six senators who so wisely voted against SB 315 on May 15, 2012. These senators are: Sen. Cafaro, Sen. Sawyer, Sen. Schiavoni, Sen. Skindell, Sen. Tavares, and Sen. Turner. The groups appreciate that these legislators seem to be listening to the rapidly growing number of constituent concerns regarding the public interest and the health and safety of the people potentially affected by gas drilling, fracking and related processes.

Kari Matsko of the statewide group, People's Oil & Gas Collaborative-Ohio (www.ohiogasdrilling.com ), pointed to a States Comparison document saying, "Chemical disclosure provisions in other state laws mandate first responders and public health officials must be disclosed trade secret information where applicable, as opposed to laying all the responsibility on a medical professional as proposed in SB 315."

(See the document at: http://ohiogasdrilling.com/reports/ )

Geologist Susie Beiersdorfer of Frackfree Mahoning Valley (www.frackfreemahoning.blogspot.com ) said, “Anyone who votes yes on this bill, SB 315, as it stands today, I believe, is voting against the public interest as it relates to public health and safety. This bill is too important for all Ohio citizens and their families to let it be rushed through before Ohioans really know what the bill contains. We need an immediate delay on the voting in order to get public feedback on the bill, especially from medical professionals, physicians, and first responders, who, we believe, may not even know that this ‘gag order’ is being considered. It is the right thing to do, and we hope that the legislators will see the common sense and fairness of implementing this much-needed delay.”

The groups believe that there needs to be public comment and discussion on this gag rule and other unacceptable provisions of the bill, such as removing the public’s right to contest a drilling site.

Opponents of this bill want someone to step up to the plate to officially demand an immediate delay in voting on SB 315 planned for May 23. They believe that whoever does so will gain great public support for upholding the public interest and the interests of all Ohio families and citizens’ health and safety.

For media inquiries or more information, e-mail:

frackfreemahoning@gmail.com or call:

234-201-0402

www.frackfreemahoning.blogspot.com

People’s Oil & Gas Collaborative – Ohio (POGCO):

www.ohiogasdrilling.com

# # #

Ohio Energy Bill SB 315 Believed To Be Threat To Public Health

Frackfree Mahoning testifies at House hearing on Ohio SB 315 - a gas and oil development proposal which doesn't even adhere to standards of American Petroleum Institute:

NBC4 Columbus coverage, citizens testifying

One of the many possible threats to public health embodied in the bill is that doctors are prohibited from sharing information of the toxicity of water, air and land in communities, neighborhoods and backyards of their patients - thus keeping their patients in the dark and possibly dying from exposure to these contaminants. Frackfree Mahoning is one of many groups calling for an Immediate Halt to the Ohio House vote on the bill (scheduled for May 23 & 24, 2012) PRESS RELEASE HERE > http://frackfreemahoning.blogspot.com/2012/05/public-health-threat-opponents-call-for.html

Full text of bill as passed by Ohio Senate here (with vote record) > http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/bills.cfm?ID=129_SB_315

 

Join over 1,000 others, including Josh Fox and Bill McKibben in Columbus June 14th-17th

Rumble In The Heartland This Father's Day - A Day For Fathers To Gird Their Loins And Protect ALL Children

Someone's running scared and it is not the citizens standing straight and tall and loud for clean air, water, land, and the lives of their children this Father's Day 2012 in Columbus, Ohio, in the heartland of the country....the gas industry lobbyists would like to show you and me a movie? ... a movie?!? .... someone help us stop laughing ourselves to death...!

 On June 17th Ohio will be at the epicenter of another earthquake - this time, a people-powered quake that will shake the oil and gas industry. The earthquake is an action called Don't Frack Ohio, and we're planning to take over the Ohio statehouse and pass a people's bill to protect our state from the oil and gas industry.

Already over 1000 people are signed up to be there from states all across the country, and we'll be joined by Bill McKibben of 350.org and Josh Fox, the director of Gasland. Gov. Kasich and the State Assembly just passed one of the worst fracking bills in the country, and we need to show them that there will consequences for selling out our state.

The oil and gas industry put millions of dollars into the pockets of politicians to make this bill happen. We don't have that kind of money, so we need to use people power to show them our state is not for sale.

The action is on the 17th, but there are big plans for the 14th-16th as well. That's when we'll be meeting up for a series of trainings and strategy sessions to plan and build the movement we need to stop the fracking industry in Ohio. We'll be getting trainings in non-violent direct action, media strategy and skills, and how to mobilize our communities to win this fight.

We're really hoping you can join us for this exciting event. With the drills on their way to turn Ohio into the fracking capital of the midwest, time is of the essence, and this is a perfect opportunity to tell Gov. Kasich that we won't accept his style of sellouts any longer.

Click here to sign up for the action: http://www.dontfrackoh.org/sign-up

See you in Columbus soon,

-Josh Fox, Mark Ruffalo, 350.org, NEOGAP, Frackfree Mahoning Valley, and the supporters of Don't Frack Ohio

Mark Ruffalo Public Service Announcement -
Don't Frack OH - June 17, 2012

From the 350.org /Ohio page:

Mark Ruffalo isn’t just the Hulk, a giant green rage-monster that smashes everything in his path. He’s also a deeply committed fracking activist who is REALLY EXCITED about building a renewable energy economy.
That’s why it’s a no-brainer for Water Defense, the organization Mark co-founded to fight for a green economy, to sign on to Don’t Frack Ohio, which is shaping up to be the largest anti-fracking mobilization in American history.
.....
Natural gas is a dangerous bridge to nowhere that needlessly delays our transition to a green economy. Every dollar and day we sink into fracking is a total, foolish waste. We already have the technology, scientific expertise, and entrepreneurial grit to run our country on 100 percent solar, wind and water power – all we’re missing is the political will.
Fortunately, like Mark says, there’s something big brewing in towns and cities across America. People everywhere are demanding that their elected officials stand up to the fossil fuel industry and put our communities ahead of corporate profits. When we fill the Ohio State Capitol on June 17th, it won’t just be to end fracking in Ohio’s back yard, or Pennsylvania’s backyard, or New York’s bachyard. It’ll be to end fracking in everybody’s backyard.
I hope to see you on June 17th in Columbus. This is a battle we can’t afford to sit out.

Are You Hard of Hearing - How Tall Do We Have To Say It?

Billboard at I-680 and Meridian Road, Youngstown, Ohio; accepting donations to keep it running through November on a monthly schedule. This particular one was obtained at a deep discount at $600/month.

Share album on Facebook also at: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.416122195074247.102016.205575299462272&type=3

Donations accepted here: https://www.wepay.com/donations/frackfree-mahoning-valley

"Will there be blood on your hands?" Reverend asks Youngstown City Council for Fracking ban

Youngstown citizen, Rev. Monica Beasley-Martin, addressed City Council, May 2, 2012, Youngstown, Ohio,  urging council to pass a rights-based ban on all fracking-related activities in the Mahoning and Mill Creek watersheds. If council were to do this they will become the first major Ohio city to enact a ban.

3 minute video can be seen here also if it does not load directly below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOrXlCTkQYw

This is a transcript of the presentation to Youngstown City Council by Rev. Monica Beasley-Martin 5-2-12:

Thank you for the opportunity to speak before you this evening. I grew up and raised my son on Neosho Rd. near Mill Creek Park. I first heard about hydraulic fracturing in October at a rally sponsored by Occupy Youngstown, where Mr. Howard Markert spoke.

Hydraulic fracturing is a process, where millions of gallons of water, sand and chemicals are pumped by extremely high pressure, underground, to break apart rock and release gas. Many of the chemicals used are toxic and known carcinogens. The fracturing of just one single well could use anywhere from 2 to 10 million gallons of water. It takes about 200 truck trips to transport just 1 million gallons of water.

All gas wells, will eventually, rust out and leak. The Wall Street Journal reported that 1 in 10 new gas wells tested in Pennsylvania leaked. On a 10 well drilling site, the odds of leakage approach 100%. Over time, they are all apt to release methane into groundwater. 693 of Ohio's existing gas wells failed inspection in 2011.

I learned that this was something that could occur in my beloved Mill Creek Park. The park I rode my bike through, got lost in, and attended family reunions in, as a child. The park my husband and I took our son to, where we visited Lanterman's Mill, the Ford Nature Center, and the Rose Garden, where we saw Civil War Re-enactments, rode the paddle boats, fed the gold fish, and had church picnics.

What were you doing New Year’s Eve 2011? I am sure most of us, who happened to be in town, remember exactly where we were, and exactly what we were doing, when that 4.0 earthquake hit. I had just returned home from a shopping trip and was exiting my vehicle when I literally felt the earth move under my feet, heard a tremendous boom, and saw my house shake. Later it was determined this, and the other 12 quakes our area experienced, were connected to a nearby injection well, located near a fault, in which contaminated fracking waste was placed.

I went to Columbus and talked to state legislators and I was told that their hands were tied because of the Halliburton loop hole in the Energy Policy Act of 2005. This is the act that exempted natural gas drilling from the restrictions and standards in the Safe Drinking Water Act. It also excused companies, using hydraulic fracturing, from being forced to disclose the specific makeup, or combination, of chemicals used in franking.

On the local level, public officials say, that their hands are tied too, but by the state. And while I understand that the state issues permits for gas wells, I believe, as elected officials, your first responsibility is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of those, by whom you were elected to serve. Hydraulic fracturing leaves a negative impact on our land, water, air, and lives. I am a mother, grandmother, preacher, teacher, and I love my birthplace. But, the buck must stop here; we can no longer sit idly by, while legislative loop holes destroy our community. The citizens of Youngstown have a right to clean air and clean water. 20 local Ohio communities have already taken some sort of stance against fracking. I implore you, ladies and gentlemen of Youngstown City Council, to do likewise. Please consider enacting a rights based ordinance against fracking.

I will close today, with the words of Oglala Sioux Chief, John Hollow Horn (1932), "Someday the earth will weep, she will beg for her life, she will cry with tears of blood. You will make a choice, if you will help her, or let her die, and when she dies, you too will die.”

FOLLOW-UP: Reverend Monica Beasley-Martin also delivered a sermon at Vienna, OH, injection well, leading residents in prayer and song. READ MORE >> http://ohiofracktion.com/2012/05/19/concerned-residents-hold-church-service-at-vienna-injection-well/

ALSO SEE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=QWfUxMYz2v0 (soundtrack is We Will Not Stop .)

Find other concerned citizens at: http://frackfreemahoning.blogspot.com/
contact at 330-201-0402 or frackfreemahoning@gmail.com

ALSO SEE: ACTION VIDEOS: http://ohiofracktion.com/media-2/action-video/

Learn how to get your music heard at ReverbNation.com

Listen to complete We Will Not Stop song and other Jonathan Blackshire music at
http://www.reverbnation.com/jonathanblackshire
http://www.facebook.com/jonathan.blackshire.music
http://www.myspace.com/jonathanblackshire

The lyrics are important:
We Will Not Stop (Occupation Songs) by Jonathan Blackshire. (All songs off of Occupation Songs are available for free download, though you can still support Mr. Blackshire by buying them from his store.)

Chorus: We will not stop until you listen.
We will not let you frack up our land.
If you keep putting profits before people,
Then the people are gonna take a stand.

You tried to tell us it was safe.
But, now we know that was a lie.
When people started getting sick,
And they found out they could light their water on fire.
But, when you talked to the SEC.
You told a very different tale.
You said that there were many risks,
Including blowouts, cratering, explosions, and spills.
~Chorus ~
I won't mention the damaged forests.
Don't need to talk about air pollution.
Not going to talk about your pipelines,
Or mention 6 million dollars in campaign contributions.
No, the worst is what you've done to our water.
Because we can't drink your money.
Contaminated with Radium, Barium, Strontium, Benzene, and Toluene.
~Chorus ~
What was it you said to Crystal Stroud,
When she started to lose her hair?
When she had trouble breathing,
You said it wasn't caused by your drilling there.
And what about Mr Terry Greenwood,
When half his calves were dead at birth.
Because his cattle drank from his pond,
That had the chemicals you let leech into the earth.
~Chorus x2~ then repeat last line twice.

See the complete story of Ron Barron's painting, Fracked Youngstown: 12-31-2011, at: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3637860823285.2164656.1177181801&type=3