Bucks County First Nation Organic Family Farm Makes Store Repairs
Bucks County First Nation Organic Family Farm Makes Store Repairs
To reopen the Thorpe store, one of the many revenue streams cut over time by the township, the community has joined the Thorpes in engaging in a "barn raising" to repair the Sandy damage to the satisfaction of the Upper Makefield Township Supervisors. The owner, Dale Thorpe is working with inspectors and architects to repair the building that suffered damage after Hurricane Sandy.
Thousands of online supporters of the Thorpe First Nation Organic Farm in Upper Makefield, one of the last Native American-owned farms in Bucks County, PA, are standing by owner Dale Thorpe. The Native American Alliance of Bucks County as well as the Churchville Nature Center has publicized their support and has made the farm its base for education about living in the ways of the original people. But the Upper Makefield Township supervisors are claiming that Thorpe has not made necessary safety repairs following the Sandy Storm. The family and other experts have challenged the code violations as "vague" and unsubstantiated.
Thorpe, a certified carpenter, says the farm has been targeted for housing development. Thorpe's online reach has grown to 7,000 since his conflict with his bank, now exacerbated by the township's actions. More than 2,000 worldwide have signed a petition on his behalf. But time is running out as a liquidation sale looms. Thorpe has a Save Thorpe Farm page on Facebook and a petition to describe his plight. See herehttp://bit.ly/XO3Dsv
Bucks County Residents in Newtown Township Propose Quarterly Forum on Gas Drilling
Rep. Steve Santarsiero has been contacted to participate in a proposed quarterly forum on hydrofracturing to be held in the Newtown Township Building by the EAC. Perry Katz is coordinating the event and looking for ideas from residents. The pros and cons of gas drilling will be reviewed. The discussion will include an overview of legislation that has resulted in the practice in Pennsylvania. Public health and environmental impacts will be reviewed in light of methane leaks and the status of events in Dimock, PA and elsewhere. Please email Perry Katz of the Newtown Township EAC at pk1956@verizon.net
See Promise Land - A film co-written by Matt Damon and John Krasinski
Promise Land, a work of art and love by actor Matt Damon and co-writer John Krasinski, examines the enticement placed before a poor farming community. The story's journey goes deep into the heart land but has amazing twists and turns and a very surprising ending. How can communities come together in the face of the promise of money in the hands of landowners. A film worth discussing anywhere there is a shale under the earth and in communities where water will be affected. Released in theaters on Jan. 2nd.
Was the Manipulation of US Vote Tabulations Prevented by "Do-Gooder" Software Hackers?
Anonymous group of hackers claim that they prevented massive numbers of votes from being manipulated during the 2012 election. "We coded and created, what we call The Great Oz. A targeted password protected firewall that we tested and refined over the past weeks." Although the assertions are dramatic, an investigation is appropriate, there is no doubt that Anonymous, however ambiguous or loosely affiliated it may be, is real. http://bit.ly/TaveCg and here:http://bit.ly/SGnnZe
Voter Witnesses Machine Flipping his Choice from Obama to Romney
A PA voter's choice for President Barack Obama flips to Mitt Romney several times. With expertise in software engineering, he checked through on other candidate choices which worked fine. The response by a poll worker was surprising, and unacceptable. Read more, see photos: http://bit.ly/TIWw2q
Spectra Pipeline Generates Concerns about Radon Poisoning
By Eileen Stukane
The Spectra Energy Pipeline, currently under construction on the Gansevoort Peninsula at the edge of the Meatpacking District, is generating debates concerning toxic poisoning in the densely populated New York City.
A scientific firestorm of sorts was set off this year after a report by Marvin Resnikoff Ph.D., of Radioactive Waste Management Associates. His motivation for the examining possible population exposure to radon is that the Marcellus Shale production is considerably closer to US consumers than shale exposure in states such as Texas and Louisiana. Resnikoff calculates ranges that may impact urban apartment dwellings and whether the gas will bring cancer-causing radon via kitchen stoves and heating systems.
Watch Here: A public broadcasting Documentary Showcases Shocking Conclusions by Experts Examining the 9/11 Catastrophe
New look behind the attack on the World Trade Center. Experts range from architects to engineers who put their reputations on the line to factually dispute the official story of the collapse of the buildings. http://bit.ly/P6NVmu
Wed, Sept 5th - 6:30PM - Film Screening on 13 Indigenous Grandmothers
The Peace Project will hold a film screening at Lansdale Library of the 13 Indigenous Grandmothers International Council. Four years in the making and shot on location in the Amazon rainforest, the mountains of Mexico, North American, and at a private meeting with the Dalai Lama in India.
The next seven generations will reflect what happens because these wise women united. Facing a world in crisis, they share with us their visions of healing and a call for change now, before it's too late. This film documents their unparalleled journey and timely perspectives on a timeless wisdom. The Lansdale Library is located at 301 Vine Street, Lansdale, PA. Call before 5pm 215-855-3228.
Potluck dessert and drinks wil be served by all. Bring your favorites!
Despite Risks, The Gas Drilling Industry Presses on with Compressor Station Permits
By Matt Walker
“Pennsylvania is approving permits for larger natural gas facilities at an alarming rate,” said Joseph Otis Minott, Executive Director of the Clean Air Council, an environmental health organization working on air quality issues since 1967.
“In the last two weeks alone, we’ve seen PA DEP announce that they’re ready to approve air pollution permits for almost twenty compressor stations. This equipment is known and permitted to emit tons of harmful pollutants each year into the air we all must breathe.”
Compressor stations are groups of enormous engines that pressurize gas through pipelines and emit tons of hazardous air pollutants and ozone-forming chemicals. Over 500 compressor stations have been permitted by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) since January 1, 2009, mostly through a streamlined permitting process that does not allow for public input. More here: http://bit.ly/PgZDtu
Oil Companies Fail to Disclose Drilling Risks to SEC and Investors
Ceres, a sustainability leadership group, reveals that of the ten companies, eight “provided minimal or no information about safety or environmental statistics,” or “investments in safety related R&D.” In fact, ExxonMobil received ratings of poor or no disclosure on 8 of 10 categories, only receiving a “Fair Disclosure” evaluation for corporate governance. Read more here: http://bit.ly/NjvPR1Read Ceres Report here:http://bit.ly/NwFY7Q
PA Gives Shoddy Instructions From Home to Polling Place. Wrangles Citizen in Confusion over Voting I.D. Law
By Liz Troy
On Thursday morning, I took 86-year-old “Beatrice” to obtain her voter ID. Although we live in Lansdale, we had to drive to Norristown. Last week, Beatrice was turned away at the Harleysville photo center. In Montgomery County, voter ID cards are issued in Norristown and Huntingdon Valley only.http://bit.ly/J2CdpgOpinion here: http://bit.ly/OXpHgK
As Gas Drilling Companies Dangle Jobs at Citizen's Noses; OSHA Study Finds Lung Cancer Dangers
By Gayathri Valdyanathan, E&E
The OSHA study found that workers are exposed to silica, or sand dust, at sometimes more than 10 times the recommended limit, during hydraulic fracturing.
The process uses large quantities of sand, which contains microscopic particles of silica that can be easily inhaled. Exposure can lead to the deadly disease silicosis and to lung cancer. Eric Esswein, senior industrial hygienist at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and his colleagues did the research.
Read here about gas drilling job training popping up in New York State: http://on.wsj.com/IUSr2ORemember the 9/11 cleanup workers -- many have died or have devastating lifelong lung illnesses after hazards were not revealed. More about OSHA study here: http://bit.ly/IUQiEc
Will Bucks County be exempt from Gov. Corbett's Gas Drilling Law?
Nockamixon solicitor Jordan Yeager said McIlhinney's proposed fix isn't so easy after Turm Oil applied in February for a permit to drill and operate a well in Nockamixon. More by JD Malone: http://bit.ly/KtnF5N
PA's Gas Drilling Supporters Depict the Bucks County, PA Audience As Unruly? Huh?
By Rebecca Kelly
rkellysf@yahoo.com
Bucks County citizens have historically been known to be friendly and welcoming -- like what Bill Murray's character found in the movie, "Groundhog Day." But after a curtailed question and answer period followed an April 12th meeting on PA's new Act 13, Bucks homeowners complained that issues were not addressed and that their elected officials' explanations were unsatisfactory. The law gives rights to corporations to drill where they please, to seize property and to bypass environmental laws. All of this was new to many Buck's residents.
In Pittsburgh, the drillers only allowed questions to be submitted in advance of one meeting and then selected which questions to answer. In Ft. Worth, Texas, a handful of questions were selected from a box even though a line of people were waiting to speak. In Harrisburg, the press secretary told reporters that they could leave before the citizens' questions were asked at the mike. In every locale, gas drilling moved forward.
Now, as in many such meetings across the country, the drillers appear to be on the warpath to damage the reputation of US homeowners, including Bucks residents, by accusing people of acting badly at meetings when exercising their right to free speech. The follow up Act 13 meeting on April 19th at Palisades High School in Kintersville featured new speakers that produced well-rounded facts andnot just the platform of drilling companies. The local officials who painted a rosy picture about gas drilling pulled a "cut and run" and never showed up. Read gas driller's persuasive perspective about Bucks homeowners here: http://bit.ly/ISYT94 and here http://bit.ly/HWXSTEOops...wait! They took it down and updated the article the next day and that's a good thing. Check here:http://bit.ly/Ia5gF4
PA's Act 13 Begins the Nation's Worst Corporate Fracking Giveaway
By Steve Rosenfeld
Pennsylvania, where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were signed and where the U.S. coal, oil and nuclear industries began, has adopted what may be the most anti-democratic, anti-environmental law in the country, giving gas companies the right to drill anywhere, overturn local zoning laws, seize private property and muzzle physicians from disclosing specific health impacts from drilling fluids on patients. Read more: http://bit.ly/Ay21OxBucks County residents oppose these actions. News item here: http://bit.ly/J8II9C
PA's Gov. Corbett May Slate State's Forests For Gas Drilling; Citizen Call To Action
By Adam Garber
Despite PennEnvironment's Marcellus Shale success in training 420 citizens to be knowledgable about how Marcellus Shale drilling affects people and how to have a voice. But the training over the last 4 months has not been enough. Under Pennyslvania'sGov. Corbett is now considering lifting the moratorium that protects Pennsylvania's state forests from further Marcellus Shale gas leases.
More here: http://bit.ly/zcPILe
"Legal Fiction" Allows Corporations to Share Rights with People
By Steven Rosenfeld, Alternet
If slavery is illegal, how can Corporate Persons (Corporations) buy other Corporations? Montana's Justice James Nelson said the concept entirely offensive. Corporations are artificial creatures of law that should not share rights with people. Montana’s Supreme Court has issued a stunning rebuke to the U.S. Supreme Court’s support of corporations' right to personhood. The judgment of Justice James C. Nelson concluded that it is an affront to the inviolable dignity of our species that courts have created a "legal fiction" which forces people—human beings—to share fundamental natural rights with soulless creations of government.
Justice Nelson, in his dissent. “And, to be absolutely clear, I do not agree with it. For starters, the notion that corporations are disadvantaged in the political realm is unbelievable. Indeed, it has astounded most Americans. The truth is that corporations wield enormous power in Congress and in state legislatures. It is hard to tell where government ends and corporate America begins: the transition is seamless and overlapping.”
In the case, involving campaign contributions by corporations, Nelson said independent expenditures by corporations in political campaigns resulted in “the “quid pro quo” of both direct contributions to candidates and independent expenditures on their behalf is loyalty.
Native Peoples Score a Win with Pipeline Postponement
By Rob Capriccioso - Indian County Today
Indians widely protested that decision, and some tribal leaders attended State Department sessions to explain their concerns in the ensuing months. Questions have also arisen about the relationships between some agency officials and developers of the project.
In early November, Obama himself commented in an interview with a Nebraska television station that he knew there were public health concerns, which he said he would consider in making a final decision. “…[Y]ou know when somebody gets sick that’s a cost that the society has to bear as well,” the president said in the interview.
Fmr. Gov. Rendell - Gas drilling Opponents have a Point
At a Philadelphia Convention Conference on gas drilling, former Gov. Ed Rendell responded concerns of more than 1500 protesters outside on September 7th. He asserted that citizens have legitimate concerns about fracking: “Drilling companies have hurt their public image by opposing a severance tax on gas extraction, and by not taking enough steps to protect the environment. ...And the industry has not made the necessary investments to ensure a safe environment.” Read more here: http://bit.ly/oh1z9h
International Hearings on the Events of September 11, 2001
By Carole Broulett
September 8-11 - Watch Online - Questions posed by millions of citizens in the United States and people abroad will be examined by victim family members, expert witnesses and international legal experts. While the government stood by its claim that Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein were responsible for the attack on September 11, 2001 this international hearing will provide an independent review at Ryerson University in Toronto.
Bucks County's former commissioner says damage to homes, communities and water in PA is not caused by today's fracking.
DEP is responding to "a call by Lt. Gov. James Cawley, the shale commission chairman, for policy recommendations from members as part of its deliberative process."
Cawley, on June 3rd, made this claim:
"There has never been a documented case of water being affected by fracking for Marcellus shale. Yes, there are sections of this state where you can turn on the tap and light your water on fire. Methane is in the water. That is caused by irresponsible drilling 50 and 60 years ago.”http://bit.ly/ivXWvE
Lt. Gov. Cawley is a former commissioner of Bucks County, PA. As an elected official and public servant, Lt. Cawley can be contacted here:
Court DENIES Toll Brothers Request for Reconsideration of High Density Housing
By Carol Stuckley
Commonwealth Court has DENIED Toll Brothers’ request for reconsideration and published their ORDER on 5-20-2011. A copy of the Commonwealth Court ORDER is attached for your reference.
As next steps, Toll has the right to APPEAL the Commonwealth Court ORDER to the PA Supreme Court and has 30 days from the date of the ORDER to do so. Toll will appeal to the PA Supreme court. This would be the second time that Toll appealed to the PA Supreme Court with its request to rezone land in and around historic Dolington Village in order to benefit from high density housing profits.
Further action is expected on Toll’s part. If Toll does not appeal to the PA Supreme Court, the hearings regarding the FCO high density rezoning ordinance will reopen at the Newtown Zoning Hearing Board.
Citizen Speakers Deliberately Pushed to Back of Line by PA Lt. Gov. Attache
By Dave Davies
Do people have a voice in the Pennsylvania government? Press attache for Lt. Gov,, Buck County's own Jim Cawley, is overheard at the mic telling reporters that citizen can speak after the press has left the building. Phone 717-787-3300
Outraged citizens spot officials telling reporters that people with anti-drilling points of view are pushed to back of secondary list by press attache for Lt. James Cawley. Cawley is former commissioner of Bucks County. His email: http://bit.ly/keB8ax
"I've been to a lot of hearings like these over the years, and it's my observation that somehow members of the public are usually shunted to the end, when the presiding panel members are tired and the TV crews have folded up and left," says Dave Davies of Newsworks:
Davies adds, "I think everybody should have their say at public hearings, and access to the witness table should be even-handed and transparent. I also think protesters should be respectful of the rights of others to be heard." See Video:
Bucks County Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick (R) Votes to End Medicare
Joining a vote of 235-193, with all but 4 Republicans voting in favor and unified opposition from Democrats, Bucks County legislator Mike Fitzpatrick helped approve the Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan's 2012 budget plan. As you know, the Ryan plan would end Medicare as we know it, replacing it with subsidies for private insurance and it would simultaneously spend trillions of dollars to reduce tax rates on the wealthiest Americans. And now it is the official position of the GOP.What's your opinion?
Mike Fitzpatrick (R PA-8). Washington Office 1224 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515. Telephone: 202-225-4276.
Ours came addressed only to my husband. They forgot me??? Wonder why??? And better yet, a third envelope arrived with our big royalty check. Maybe as a reminder of how grateful we all should be to have them drilling in our community??? (Here are the letters:
I believe, the first one is the "medicated" version of how they are happy to be our "good neighbors" and how they will comply with a new ordinance. Then, after the medication wears off, you get the version of "we are taking our ball and headed somewhere else to play". They warn that they will boycott our businesses and not pay royalties to leaseholders. IN MY OPINION... don't let the door hit ya!
I think I might be one of the lucky one's referenced as a "growing pain" in the second letter. :-)
I hope the Mt. Pleasant Twp fire hall will be packed with people not waiting for their Marcellus millions on 4/6/11 from 6-8 pm.
Please take a minute to read these two letters. Feel free to laugh out loud! Then drop me a note and let me know what you think.
And for anyone who plans to post this or send it to a friend at Range Resources... This email is my opinion and not meant to harm anyone planning to have a financial gain from the destruction of our air and water, whether through employment or as a leaseholder. :-) LOL
Gas Drilling Company's letters transcribed here due to technical difficulties:
Letter #1
Dear Resident:
For the last five years, Range Resources has been producing natural gas from Marcellus shale wells drilled in Mt. Pleasant Township. Over those years we have become part of your community.From millions of dollars in corporate giving to tax-free road improvements, Range has strived to be a good neighbor and community partner. As such, we recognize there are some aspect of our operations that are of vital importance to residents.
With those concerns in mind we recently decided to adhere to and comply with model ordinance language designed to both protect the residents of Mt. Pleasant and allow Range to operate safely within the community. The ordinance is broad and covers nearly all aspects of natural gas production that could possibly cause concern. In fact, the model ordinance language goes further than any legal regulations we have seen to day, in terms of scope and requirements, many of which far exceed state-mandated regulations. Some items include
. Informational meetings to residents of the entire township, and separate meetings for any resident within 2,500 feet of a proposed gas well.
. A ful outline of plans and activities for a specific site, including number and location of wells, total number of acres that will be impacted during operations, local first responder training and more.
. Extensive sound monitoring mitigation measures (some of the most stringent in the industry.)
. Application of same information requires when establishing freshwater impoundment facilities, and additional language more specific to those facilities.
. A voluntary Code of Conduct for all employees and contractors including limiting the frequency of travel tow and from the site, restricting access from adjoining properties and ensuring the drilling pad remains clean and orderly at all times.
Range has had numerous discussions with Mt. Pleasant Township officials and has informed the township of our intention to comply with this ordinance as it is actually more thorough and demands a higher standard than the Township's existing regulations within the Township.
Range Resources is confident that Mt. Pleasant will be looked upon as a model for how a drilling operator and a Township can coexist to safely produce domestic, clean-burning natural gas for the benefit of Pennsylvanians.
Thank you for your time and attention. We look forward to seeing you throughout 2011, and beyond.
Sincerely
RANGE RESOURCES - APPALACHIA, LLC
Read Gas Drilling Company
Letter #2 -
Dear Resident,
Since 2009, Range Resources has been actively engaged in producing natural gas from Marcellus shale wells drilled in Mt. Pleasant Township. During that time, our relationship with Township officials and some of the citizens of the Township has gone through some growing pains. While our intent has always been to be good neighbors and act in a responsible way, the actions of the Township officials has changed our view.
We have spent a great deal of time and resources in an effort to improve the way we do business. Throughout the state, Range has held up as the model for the natural gas drilling industry: everywhere, that is, except Mt. Pleasant. While we have made every effort to establish a positive and robust working relationship with your elected officials, our attempts continue to be rejected. As a result, we are sending this communication to inform you that we haverevised our future long-term plans in the Township due to continuing difficulties with your Township supervisors and their unwillingness to work with us. As it stands, those revisions may prove detrimental to leaseholders.
Ultimately, we may be forced to shift activity to other, more cooperative townships. The shifting of operational activities will inevitably result in the shift of related activities, including the purchase of goods, services and food to other, more cooperative communities. We will be hosting an open meeting for Mt. Pleasant residents April 6th at the Hickory Fire Hall from 6-8 pm to provide residents, landowners and business owners a more detailed layout of our plans for the coming year. In addition, we will be evaluating legal action, including federal and state courses of action. We regret any hardship that may cause you, but after months of effort on our part, we are left with no other choice.
More details will be available at the meeting. Please bring yoru questions regarding our plans for 2011 and the future. If you have questions unrelated to this issue. please continue to speak with your appointed Land Agent or call 724-743-6700.
Sincerely,
RANGE RESOURCES - APPLACHIA LLC
4/16 What caused House Explosions near Gas Drilling?
Federal help is being called for by U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) following house explosions in McKean County. The explosions were determined to not be caused by any gas utility issue. "Rather, it appears that the gas may have mitigated from deep underground during periods of high barometric pressure coupled with seismic activity and extensive new drilling activities," Casey wrote in a letter to the U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu. Sheriffs and emergency officials attended a meeting on March 15th with the county's 911 Center to discuss seeking federal assistance for gas mitigation. The explosions are still under investigation.
3/26 Deadline: Wed., March 30th - Citizen urges letters to protect Allegheny watershed
By Iris Bloom
Here is an urgent action you can take quickly on behalf of the Allegheny watershed, already endangered by fracking and even more threatened by a proposed deep injection well which would allow shale gas drilling waste to be disposed of unsafely, in an area where the underground geology is like swiss cheese.
Deadline: Wednesday, March 30th
1. To protect drinking water for everyone who lives in the Allegheny River watershed, please immediately OPPOSE the proposed deep injection well for hydrofracking waste, proposed for Warren County (Columbus Township) in northwestern Pennsylvania. Quick easy link below lets you meet the March 30th deadline so please do it now! A key quote from the well-written letter you will send by using this link is: “This EPA permitting scheme for injection wells… is a half-baked attempt to permit a potential environmental disaster, which will pollute drinking water aquifers - the public's resource for clean, safe drinking water.”
No Injection Wells for Shale Gas Waste Water
The US EPA is accepting public comment on the proposal to issue final UIC permits for injection wells for shale gas wastewater. Creating injection wells for shale gas waste water disposal threatens fresh water aquifers, and surface water from migration of the waste through abandoned, unplugged wells in the area. Injection wells in other areas of the country have caused earthquakes and their use has been recently banned.
Use this link to send a letter to the EPA
If you have any questions about this comment period, Steve Platt right here in Philadelphia is the man to ask.
3/15 YOUR Letters Needed: Philadelphia Inquirer Editorial Urges DRBC to EXTEND drilling BAN
By Iris Bloom
Protectors, Good news! Exactly two weeks ago, on March 7th, Protecting Our Waters sent a delegation of four to meet with the Philadelphia Inquirer's editorial board. We presented them with information about health impacts from drilling, new information about methane migration incidents, and discussed risks to future generations, as well as acute risks to the watershed from radioactive salty gas drilling waste. We asked them to write an editorial explicitly calling for the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) to continue its moratorium and to let the public know about the Public Comment Period ending April 15th.
They followed up, did further research and fact-checking, and wrote a great editorial yesterday explicitly calling for a "ban for now"! They are calling for study first -- both the EPA study and cumulative impacts study in the Basin. The editorial appears in yesterday's Philadelphia Inquirer, Sunday March 20, 2011. They even put in a sentence about the April 15th deadline for public comment. Read here:
Include your name, address, day and evening phone numbers, and email. Keep your letter to 150 words or less: specific and succinct. For example, applaud the Inquirer's wisdom because radioactive waste can contaminate fish and enter the food chain for the whole ecosystem, creating cascading effects for generations.
Landowners' alert: The Inquirer wrote, "Landowners in northeastern Pennsylvania who would benefit from lease payments and royalties want drilling to begin there." This is a great opportunity for landowners who don't want drilling to write a letter! If you know farmers and other landowners who do NOT want drilling to begin now -- please encourage them to write a letter.
April 7th - Second Meeting of NYC Chefs with Anti Fracking Groups
By Hilary Baum
Twenty-three people working to stop fracking gathered on March 10th at Jimmy’s No. 43 restaurant in Manhattan, one of the first meetings of its kind in NYC to relate gas drilling or hydrofracking to the contamination of the region's farm grown food.
Attendees were affiliated with the following organizations: American Sustainable Business Council, Catskill Citizens, Nofa-NY, Food and Water Watch, Brooklyn Food Coalition, Borough President Scott Stringer’s Office, 4th St. Food Coop, Slow Food NYC, Farm Hearts, Print Restaurant, OXFAM, United for Action, Sierra Club, NYH2O, NRDC, Baum Forum, Food Systems Network NYC, the Yes Men and others. The meeting was led by Hilary Baum, Paul Bermanzohn, MD, and David Levine; it was hosted by Jimmy Carbone.
Next group meeting is Thursday, April 7th from 6 -8 pm. All are invited - Location TBA. Contact: mailto:hilarybaum@aol.com
A political timeline was established by the group. Highlights include:
April 15 End of comment period on proposed regulations by the DRBC (Delaware River Basin Commission: 4 states and Army Corps of Engineers);
June 30 Probable expiration of NY’s Executive Order 41 including completion of DEC study
2012 Completion of EPA study
March 15 Hydrofracking & Agriculture, Penn Yan NY, sponsored by The Committee to Preserve the Finger Lakes
March 22 World Water Day
April 5 Panel at 92nd St Y, sponsored by NYH20
April 11 Lobby Day against fracking in Albany, sponsored by Food and Water Watch and others
April 14 Water Aid at Cooper Union, sponsored by Damascus Citizens
May 2 March on Albany for a Ban, sponsored by Frack Action
May 16 Conference at The New School, produced by Baum Forum and The New School
The events calendar can be viewed here: http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=krbjmtdm2ejk8tmq19bp5bvlr8%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York
Once added to the group you will have permission to edit the calendar.
March 10th - Top NYC Restaurateurs Join with Groups to Oppose Fracking
We would like to invite you to a meeting on March 10th from 6-8pm to discuss how to stop hydrofracking in New York and beyond. We will gather in the backroom at Jimmy’s No.43 (43 East 7th St. http://www.jimmysno43.com).
Our intention is to bring together the many different organizations we know who may or may not yet be active on this issue with experienced anti-frackers from upstate and down, to build better communication, collaboration and strategize actions to stop fracking and develop pathways to a sustainable economy and future. One of these follow up opportunities will be a conference type event on May 16th at Parsons The New School for Design.
PLEASE RSVP for March 10 to frackforum@gmail.com or call Hilary at 718 884 5716.
If you can’t attend this meeting, please send us your good wishes and we will inform you of future meetings and the conference. We will also solicit your endorsement and help in building the conference. Finally, if you know someone who could represent you or your group, or would like to suggest others, please let us know. We hope to be as inclusive as possible.
Hilary Baum, Baum Forum
Paul Bermanzohn, MD
David Levine, American Sustainable Business Council
March 9th Screening of Gasland at Buckingham Friends, Lahaska
The film is about drilling for natural gas and its effect on the land and the water. It has direct bearing on what it means for us in the Delaware River Valley if it continues to be unregulated. Nancy Janyszeski, chairman of the Nockamixon Supervisors, who has experience with this issue on a local level, will be leading the discussion following the film.
Drilling for Natural Gas in the Upper Delaware River Watershed has begun in the Marcellus Shale; watershed health hangs precariously in the balance. The environmental impacts of natural gas drilling include water quantity (between 2 and 7 million gallons of water needed per well), water quality (hydrofracking chemicals, drilling mud, and "produced water" that results from the well development process)and storm water runoff (nonpoint source pollution, erosion, stream degradation), habitat destruction and disruption, noise, air quality and community/cultural, scenic and quality of life impacts. Inadequate regulation of the industry results in the inability of government entities to avoid these negative impacts.
Local Authorities Ousted for Supporting Gas Drilling
In the Flower Mound area a spike in childhood leukemia has been linked to gas drilling. Where's Flower Mound? It's in Texas where drilling has been ongoing since the early 2000's when geologists energized many companies to invest in horizontal drilling. Five children have been diagnosed in the past 2 - 4 years. Benzene, formaldehyde and other fracking fluid constituents can cause leukemia. People in the area raised their concerns repeatedly, publicly, and clearly; saw that elected officials were not listening to their serious health concerns, voted those officials out of office and ushered pro-moratorium candidates in. See http://protectingourwaters.wordpress.com/
Radio Show: The air-borne dangers of hydraulic fracturing (lung, neurological, and skin diseases, as well as undetermined effects of the carcinogenic chemicals used in the process) can cover a 200 mile footprint.
HOT OFF THE MIKE:
"Frack Alert: High-Test News About High-Volume Hydraulic Fracturing" Episode 2:
Marcellus Money and Clean Water in the Age of Corbett
Guests: Pennsylvania State Senator Anthony Williams, Clean Water Action PA Director Myron Arnowitt, and Roxanne Pauline of NEPA Citizens in Action (Northeastern Pennsylvania Citizens in Action) Special appearance: “Gasland” filmmaker Josh Fox speaking at DUG East demonstration in Pittsburgh on Nov. 3rd, 2010. http://protectingourwaters.wordpress.com/
Bucks Voting Applications Tossed
Voter Registration Director Deena Dean said the applications were being tossed for mismatching signatures, incorrect birthdates and other problems but she says the problem is substantially higher than in recent elections.
Those who are in need can acquire a prayer shawl that received grace from the entire congregation. Also known as “Prayer Cloths” or “Comfort Shawls,” they are available to Community members free of charge and to non-members at a cost of $30.
The early historical roots of prayer shawls lie in the traditions of Orthodox and Conservative Judaism where a prayer shawl is spoken of as a “tallit” (Hebrew) or “tallis” (Yiddish). It is usually worn during the daily morning religious service.
In the Christian tradition, prayer shawls are more likely to be associated with prayers for healing than they are with formal religious services. The scriptural precedent is Acts 19:11-12: “Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.”
People request prayer shawls from Sacred Paths for any number of reasons. Most frequently they are used for comfort and solace during medical problems, loss, or stress, but they can also be used for celebration and joy, particularly on special occasions. Some believe that different colors work better for different needs, and those beliefs can be incorporated as appropriate. A requested shawl is blessed by the Community at a Sunday morning Gathering. It is taken around the room and, in each quadrant, the name of the recipient is announced. The Community members grasp the shawl, infuse it with their blessings, and a chime is rung. After the blessing, the shawl is delivered to the recipient along with a note from the Community.
While no hard data is available to prove that prayer shawls enhance healing, there are plenty of subjective reports about their providing comfort. Given the mind-body connection, it can be presumed that increased comfort leads to enhanced healing. Here are some reports from recent prayer shawl recipients:
Karen McGlynn, a local chiropractor, says: “After fracturing my hip, having the prayers of an entire community embodied in the prayer shawl tucked around me gave me the strength to let go of most of my responsibilities and to make some challenging decisions — including opting to have my hip replaced with an artificial one. I wore the shawl all through the replacement surgery, recovery, and rehabilitation. Many of the nursing staff told me that they wished they too had one and wanted to know where other patients might obtain one. I still use it during my meditations and quiet times.”
Bev LaRue, a spiritual/intuitive counselor, tells us that: “After many weeks of struggling with health issues, I felt alone and frightened and was concerned that I might never recover. When the prayer shawl was placed around my shoulders, my state of mind improved markedly because I felt the supporting, nurturing, and healing energy of an entire Community of people praying for me. Wearing the prayer shawl has been one of the most comforting and peaceful experiences I've ever encountered. After receiving it, my physical condition seemed to improve rapidly.”
Connie Roddy, an area businesswoman, reports: “In dealing with a serious disease, I have tried to keep up a strong front, but whenever I slept, my anxiety would manifest in my dreams, and I had to be put on anti-anxiety medication. After receiving the prayer shawl from Sacred Paths Community, I put it around me whenever I am sleeping or feeling anxious or afraid, and I can feel the love and energy of the entire Community. I am now able to sleep soundly, and am no longer taking the anti-anxiety medication.”
Harper Schantz, from Santa Fe, NM, states: “Receiving the prayer shawl was exactly what I needed at just the right moment on my path toward healing. Wrapping it around me, I felt like I was receiving a hug from the entire Sacred Paths Community. I felt warm, safe, secure, and loved. The accompanying note was also especially moving and meaningful. I continue to use the prayer shawl regularly to remind myself to clear my mind and to remain positive and optimistic.
David Ritchey, a photographer and writer, tells us that: “During her recovery from surgery to remove a mast cell tumor, I kept my Golden Retriever, Katherine, covered with a prayer shawl most of the time. While I can’t speak to her experience, it did provide me with comfort … and she didn’t object. I also discovered that if I tucked it in tightly around her,
If you or someone you know feels the need for a prayer shawl, please contact Sacred Paths Community.
"In a time of high unemployment rates, con artists exploit the vulnerabilities of unemployed Americans by falsely promising to deliver what these folks need most: a job that will enable them to put food on the table and pay the rent," says Monica Vaca, Staff Attorney with the Federal Trade Commission.
Nokomis, chairperson of the Native American Alliance of Bucks County (NAABC) sends a communique:
Read Words from Chief Arvol Looking Horse 19th generation Keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe (Wolakota.org)
A Great Urgency
To All World Religious and Spiritual Leaders
My Relatives,
Time has come to speak to the hearts of our Nations and their
Leaders. I ask you this from the bottom of my heart, to come together from
the Spirit of your Nations in prayer.
We, from the heart of Turtle Island, have a great message for the World; we
are guided to speak from all the White Animals showing their sacred color,
which have been signs for us to pray for the sacred life of all things.
As I am sending this message to you, many Animal Nations are being
threatened, those that swim, those that crawl, those that fly, and the
plant Nations, eventually all will be affect from the oil disaster in the
Gulf. The dangers we are faced with at this time are not of spirit. The
catastrophe that has happened with the oil spill which looks like the
bleeding of Grandmother Earth, is made by human mistakes, mistakes that we
cannot afford to continue to make. I asked, as Spiritual Leaders, that we
join together, united in prayer with the whole of our Global Communities.
My concern is these serious issues will continue to worsen, as a domino
effect that our Ancestors have warned us of in their Prophecies. I know in
my heart there are millions of people that feel our united prayers for the
sake of our Grandmother Earth are long overdue.
I believe we as Spiritual people must gather ourselves and focus our
thoughts and
prayers to allow the healing of the many wounds that have been inflicted on
the Earth. As we honor the Cycle of Life, let us call for Prayer circles
globally to assist in healing Grandmother Earth (our Unc¹I Maka).
We ask for prayers that the oil spill, this bleeding, will stop. That the
winds stay calm to assist in the work. Pray for the people to be guided in
repairing this mistake, and that we may also seek to live in harmony, as we
make the choice to change the destructive path we are on.
As we pray, we will fully understand that we are all connected. And that
what we create can have lasting effects on all life. So let us unite
spiritually, All Nations, All Faiths, One Prayer. Along with this immediate
effort, I also ask to please remember June 21st, World Peace and Prayer
Day/Honoring Sacred Sites day. Whether it is a natural site, a temple, a
church, a synagogue or just your own sacred space, let us make a prayer for
all life, for good decision making by our Nations, for our children¹s
future and well-being, and the generations to come.
Onipikte (that we shall live),
Chief Arvol Looking Horse 19th generation Keeper of the Sacred White
Buffalo Calf Pipe
July 6, 2009 - Solebury Aquetong Spring (Ingham Spring on Rt. 202) Sacred Place of Vigils for Native American Culture
Many people pass a familiar site, Ingham Springs, a gated housing development along Route #202 in Solebury. Some are also aware that the real fresh water Spring is located across just the way on Rt. 202 and Lower Mountain Road, where Lenape Peoples long ago buried their ancestors and performed sacred rites up until even today.
The regular meeting of NAABC (Native American Alliance of Bucks County) at the Spring during the summer showcases the beauty of the ancient burial ground, right at the center of Solebury Township, Bucks County. "This building is on sacred ground and could be a teaching place," say Phil Getty, a Bucks resident. “It is a useful place for their artifacts to be held exactly where their rich culture flourished." The meeting was chaired by Nokomis, the NAABC leader, and included a discussion of the cleanup of the Burlington Island, NJ, open land where plans are being discussed to include a museum to Native American life in Eastern PA. The Ingham Spring is also significant. Barbara “Bluejay” Michalski, who said, “We want a place where we can hold our artifacts and teach children about the original people and their ancestral burial ground.”
Descendants of original families still live in Bucks County. There is a state easement on the old Ingram Springs land because of its historical significance connected to Native Peoples. The law says the land must remain under developed. NAABC is discussing having a tribal representative from the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania to join a Solebury Supervisors’ meeting, held on the first and third weeks of the month at 7:00 PM, so that a case can be made for the empty building at the Spring to become a Lenape cultural center.
“It is the one thing that is missing from Bucks County,” says Allison Kinglsey, a Solebury resident. “This is a piece of Lenape homeland. There used to be flower beds hanging from polls and running fire circles. Their ancestors were buried under the lake next Spring in clay coffins.
Currently there are township plans under consideration to repair the dam as part of an agreement with the State and Army Corps. of Engineers. There are also talks with Trout, Unlimited, for developing a hatchery to serve the region. Questions regarding use by the Lenape people can be submitted in advance for upcoming Supervisors meetings posting comments the Friday in advance of the meeting to: mailto: soleburymanager@soleburytwp.com
Join the NAABC at its weekly meetings first Wednesdays of the month now at Buckingham Friends and at the spring during the summer. More on this website: http://www.naabc-pa.com/INDEX.html
Ours came addressed only to my husband. They forgot me??? Wonder why??? And better yet, a third envelope arrived with our big royalty check. Maybe as a reminder of how grateful we all should be to have them drilling in our community??? (Here are the letters:
I believe, the first one is the "medicated" version of how they are happy to be our "good neighbors" and how they will comply with a new ordinance. Then, after the medication wears off, you get the version of "we are taking our ball and headed somewhere else to play". They warn that they will boycott our businesses and not pay royalties to leaseholders. IN MY OPINION... don't let the door hit ya!
I think I might be one of the lucky one's referenced as a "growing pain" in the second letter. :-)
I hope the Mt. Pleasant Twp fire hall will be packed with people not waiting for their Marcellus millions on 4/6/11 from 6-8 pm.
Please take a minute to read these two letters. Feel free to laugh out loud! Then drop me a note and let me know what you think.
And for anyone who plans to post this or send it to a friend at Range Resources... This email is my opinion and not meant to harm anyone planning to have a financial gain from the destruction of our air and water, whether through employment or as a leaseholder. :-) LOL
Gas Drilling Company's letters transcribed here due to technical difficulties:
Letter #1
Dear Resident:
For the last five years, Range Resources has been producing natural gas from Marcellus shale wells drilled in Mt. Pleasant Township. Over those years we have become part of your community.From millions of dollars in corporate giving to tax-free road improvements, Range has strived to be a good neighbor and community partner. As such, we recognize there are some aspect of our operations that are of vital importance to residents.
With those concerns in mind we recently decided to adhere to and comply with model ordinance language designed to both protect the residents of Mt. Pleasant and allow Range to operate safely within the community. The ordinance is broad and covers nearly all aspects of natural gas production that could possibly cause concern. In fact, the model ordinance language goes further than any legal regulations we have seen to day, in terms of scope and requirements, many of which far exceed state-mandated regulations. Some items include
. Informational meetings to residents of the entire township, and separate meetings for any resident within 2,500 feet of a proposed gas well.
. A ful outline of plans and activities for a specific site, including number and location of wells, total number of acres that will be impacted during operations, local first responder training and more.
. Extensive sound monitoring mitigation measures (some of the most stringent in the industry.)
. Application of same information requires when establishing freshwater impoundment facilities, and additional language more specific to those facilities.
. A voluntary Code of Conduct for all employees and contractors including limiting the frequency of travel tow and from the site, restricting access from adjoining properties and ensuring the drilling pad remains clean and orderly at all times.
Range has had numerous discussions with Mt. Pleasant Township officials and has informed the township of our intention to comply with this ordinance as it is actually more thorough and demands a higher standard than the Township's existing regulations within the Township.
Range Resources is confident that Mt. Pleasant will be looked upon as a model for how a drilling operator and a Township can coexist to safely produce domestic, clean-burning natural gas for the benefit of Pennsylvanians.
Thank you for your time and attention. We look forward to seeing you throughout 2011, and beyond.
Sincerely
RANGE RESOURCES - APPALACHIA, LLC
User Comments
Reviewer: Ute Arnold Dated: 2011-05-21 09:02:23
Urgent: An imminent vote on PA HB1100 - a "wolf in sheep's clothing." At first blush it seems to place regulations on "fracking>" But on closer read it doesn't allow municipalities to actually take action against "frackers". Send your letters to Senators cmcilhinney@pasen.gov and boneill@pahouseegop.com or look up your senator at http://bit.ly/lpps8J
Reviewer: Ute Arnold Dated: 2011-05-21 08:55:46
The immediate urgency is an imminent vote on PA HB1100 which is a "wolf in sheep's clothing." It seems to place some regulation on "fracking," but a closer read shows that is doesn't allow municipalities to take any action against "frackers." For New Hope area, email State Senators Chuck McIlhinny cmcilhinney@pasen.gov and Bernie O'Neill boneill@pahousegop.com. Or look up yours here: http://bit.ly/lpps8J
Reviewer: Dave Dated: 2010-02-24 18:52:31
Coal Country - Fantastic Show, with spectacular scenery of Utah's Red Rock wilderness areas. A wonderful visual experience. Hope you can make the presentation as we want Congressman Murphy to become a sponsor of a bill to help preserve its scenic area so future generations can gaze at its beauty.
Reviewer: Ken Gallagher Dated: 2010-02-03 14:15:09
Would you please email me about your meetings one day before it actually happens. I am very interested in participating and supporting your cause. Thnak you, Ken Gallagher
Reviewer: Henry D'Silva Dated: 2010-02-02 13:53:23
While the representative from the US Chamber of Commerce made clear their position on Climate Change (or Global Warming) and the idea of Cap & Trade, Penn Environment's rep spent time explaining why measures to counteract Climate Change are important but did not adequately explain why the legislation as written would work and why the Senate stalemate on C & T.
The issue boils down to the difficulty of getting any significant piece of legislation passed at the Federal and frequently at the State level. Given 435 House (proportionately regional) and 50 Senate members (disproportionately regional) their opinions & loyalties plus the data to analyze, it is easier to understand why it is so hard to achieve anything meaningful in a straightforward manner.
Furthermore, note the rapid expansion of carbon trading in European Markets with US participation as recorded in Terry Gross' interview with Mark Shapiro (Jan 28, 2010 http://www.npr.org/templates/transcript/transcript.php?storyId=123037162). Shapiro's corresponding article is in the Feb 2010 issue of Harper's magazine (http://www.harpers.org/archive/2010/02/0082826).
At small meetings within communities one notes the variety of opinions and objections to ideas and proposals. Yet decisions are made rapidly, not always to public satisfaction though communities are generally better able to handle their own issues except in major catastrophes.
Hence the importance of communities to cooperate at regional levels to compensate for our burdensome and tedious government action (remember Healthcare) and to counter Wall Street and other markets who are always ready to sacrifice the unwitting speculator.
