Shale Gas Issues From Various Jurisdictions ...... 9 Foreword ...... 9 Calls for Moratoriums and Bans ...... 11 Beverly Hills becomes first in California to ban fracking ...... 11 Contamination and Science ...... 12 Go slow on fracking, scientists warn ...... 12 The report Environmental Impacts of Shale Gas Extraction in Canada ...... 12 CCNB responds to Council of Canadian Academies report on Shale Gas ...... 12 Incidences environnementales liées à l’extraction du gaz de schiste au Canada ...... 12 Data Shows High Chemical Levels In Denton Air ...... 13 Industry disputes report's go-slow fracking advice, but environmentalists agree ...... 13 What experts say we don’t know about shale gas ...... 13 There is No “Right Way” to Frack ...... 14 Report on shale gas says more research, transparency needed ...... 14 Politicians go on the attack after scientists call for more research into fracking ...... 14 The Bacteria That Can Mitigate Fracked Natural Gas Before It Pollutes the Atmosphere ...... 15 Fracking report validates environmental concerns in N.W.T...... 15 Produced Waters, U.S. Geological Survey National Produced Waters Geochemical Database .... 16 Fracking with Propane—The Gas Companies’ Latest Tactic to Frack New York ...... 16 Propane butane gas fracs may appease opposition to hydraulic fracturing but only if the dangers are kept from the public ...... 17 Spill Baby Spill : The Year to Date in Frackastrophes ...... 18 Shale well leaks during drilling process, forcing evacuations in Morgan County ...... 18 Fracking Well Leak Spills 1,600 Gallons Of Oil Drilling Lubricant Into An Ohio Tributary ...... 18 Airborne measurements confirm leaks from oil and gas operation ...... 19 Fracking with Propane ...... 19 Toxic waste injected into Ohio well ...... 20 Frackers are flooding the atmosphere with climate-warming methane ...... 20 OIL AND GAS: Spills up 17 percent in U.S. in 2013 ...... 21 Dr. Theo Colborn on the Health Effects of Water Contamination from Fracking Video ...... 21 64 Groups From Across U.S. Demand Federal Limits on Air Pollution From Fracking Wells ...... 22 A whole lot of oil spilled in the U.S. in 2013 ...... 22 Methane Emissions From Gas Wells Up To 1,000 Times Higher Than Federal Estimate: Study .. 22 Radioactive Waste Pit - Pictures ...... 23 Questionable Science ...... 24 Murdoch-owned media hypes lone metereologist's climate junk science ...... 24 Renewable Energy ...... 25 French energy minister promises 100,000 green jobs ...... 25 Germany broke world solar power generation record in July with 5.1 TWh, leaving U.S. in dust ... 25 Pakistan’s First Solar Project Is One Of The World’s Largest ...... 25 Renewable energy provides 6.5 million jobs globally ...... 25 New Report Exposes Fossil Fuel Front Groups Behind Attacks on Renewables ...... 26 A Huge Utility Says Wind Power Now Costs Less Than Fossil Fuels ...... 26 Science and Health ...... 27 With no health registry, PA doesn't know the impact of fracking on health ...... 27 3 generations of oil and gas contamination ...... 27 Fracking ourselves to death in Pennsylvania ...... 28 Why Don’t We Have Good Data On The Health Effects Of Fracking? ...... 28 With no health registry, state doesn’t know the impact of fracking on health ...... 28 How Fracking Is Exposing People to Radioactive Waste ...... 29 AP IMPACT: Deadly Side Effect to Fracking Boom ...... 29
1 New Report Documents Chemical Disasters and Environmental Injustice in the U.S...... 30 North Dakota Is the Deadliest State to Work In ...... 30 Renowned NYU Professor: GMOs Could Literally Destroy the Planet ...... 31 The paper, The Precautionary Principle - A Statistical Analysis ...... 31 Wrecking the Earth: Fracking has grave radiation risks few talk about ...... 31 Range Resources “Equipment Failure” Leads to Gas Leak, Precautionary Evacuation in Washington County ...... 31 Spike in Stillborn and Neonatal Deaths Reported in Heavily Drilled Vernal, Utah ...... 32 Dr. Jerome A. Paulson Pittsburgh Presentation May 17, 2014 ...... 32 N.C. bill would make it a felony to disclose fracking chemicals ...... 32 The Science Is Deafening - Industry's Gas Migration ...... 32 Dead Babies and Utah's Carbon Bomb ...... 33 Frack Till You Drop ...... 33 Economics, Legal, and Investigations ...... 34 Students Stage Day of Action As Harvard University Refuses to Divest From Fossil Fuels ...... 34 How Gas Leases Threaten Mortgage Process - Bank White Paper ...... 34 First Nation challenge to B.C. pipeline ...... 34 UVic faculty demand divestment from fossil fuel ...... 35 Fossil fuel subsidies costing global economy $2 trillion: IMF ...... 35 Ohio fracking boom has not brought jobs ...... 35 Australians Divest From the ‘Big Four’ Banks That Fund Fossil Fuel Projects ...... 36 Why Are Fracking Hopefuls Suing a County in New Mexico? ...... 36 Oil money behind Keystone XL Senate bill breaks 20 million dollars ...... 36 Why Green Jobs Are Booming in Bangladesh ...... 37 IMF Pegs Canada's Fossil Fuel Subsidies at $34 Billion ...... 37 The Economics of Insurgency - Thoughts on Idle No More & critical infrastructure ...... 37 A Clash of Ideals and Investments at Swarthmore ...... 38 Washington's shale gas bonanza's going bust. Engdahl...... 38 Santos pressed to reveal CSG drilling data on contaminated bores as farmers go to court ...... 38 Coal gas company warns - stop campaigning or we will sue ...... 38 Russia, China sign natural gas deal worth $400B ...... 39 Russia, China sign deal to bypass U.S. dollar ...... 39 Fracking blamed for ruining water wells, led to $4.1M settlement ...... 39 Local Protesters Are Killing Big Oil and Mining Projects Worldwide ...... 39 Southwestern Energy being sued in U.S...... 40 Are Shales A Bubble? by By Deborah Lawrence (Formerly Deborah Rogers) ...... 40 Shakeout Threatens Shale Patch as Frackers Go for Broke ...... 41 Letter to Southwestern Energy Shareholders to vote on a proposal re methane emissions ...... 41 Executives facing climate denial-related claims could be personally liable - NGOs ...... 41 Irving pulls Enbridge's biggest gas customer out of system ...... 41 Environment and Enjoyment of Property ...... 42 Voice Of The People Tour to lead into 'Meet the Candidates Q&A' Public Meetings ...... 42 How the Fracking Boom Increases Production of Disposable Plastics ...... 42 Cheap, Abundant Shale Gas Won’t Significantly Cut U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions ...... 42 Moyers and Company - Time to Get Real on Climate Change Daviz Suzuki Embedded video ..... 43 Proterra Electric Bus Drives Record 700 Miles In A Day ...... 43 We're Living in the Age of the "Terrarist" ...... 43 Moyers & Company - Full Show: The War on Climate Scientists Embedded video ...... 43 Climate change is upon us and we must act ...... 44 Years of Living Dangerously Premiere Full Episode ...... 44 Southwestern Energy Executive Mark Boling Admits Fracking Link to Climate Change ...... 44
2 How Fracking Could Ruin New Brunswick - Hassan Arif ...... 45 Sustainable Economic Development in New Brunswick Hassan Arif re talk in Taymouth ...... 45 Shale gas isn't an economic solution, says group re Taymouth Speaker Series ...... 45 Albertans are Ready for Stronger Emissions Regulations. Will They Get Them? ...... 46 You have to see it to believe it: What it's like to have fracking in your backyard Embedded video . 46 We Are The People We've Been Waiting For Embedded video ...... 47 Film Exposes Harsh Reality of Living Amid North Dakota’s Oil Boom Embedded video ...... 47 Noam Chomsky: Survival past the 21st century is dependent on radical policy change Embedded video ...... 47 Government, Meetings, News, and Letters ...... 48 Craig Leonard's sister tied to aboriginal energy firm ...... 48 Urban drilling for oil and gas raises new questions in Alberta ...... 48 New poll reveals that Government faces voter backlash over ‘under-house fracking bill’ UK ...... 48 Thousands of oil and gas wells left unchecked by government inspectors ...... 49 UN Report Backs First Nations Against Pipeline Megaprojects ...... 49 Germany’s Environment Minister: Make Fracking Illegal ...... 49 Green Routes: Can we talk about our environmental woes in a way that actually leads us to fix them? ...... 50 Metgasco's Bentley gas drilling suspended, referred to ICAC AU ...... 50 The Great Resource Giveaway Part 3 ...... 50 Don Bowser asks the question: Who is running the province? ...... 50 IMF Pegs Canada's Fossil Fuel Subsidies at $34 Billion ...... 51 Gaz de schiste: Richibucto est inquiète pour son eau potable ...... 51 Shale Gas: Richibucto is concerned for its drinking water ...... 51 Secret Trade Memo Calls For More Fracking and Offshore Drilling ...... 52 ‘A Government Of Thugs’: How Canada Treats Environmental Journalists ...... 52 Jesse Ventura on Keystone: Stop the Koch Brother's war on renewable energy Embedded video ...... 53 Comments to Govt of NB about their collusion with SWN’s “outlaw” applications to build well pads ...... 53 This Canadian Value Investor is Quietly Investing in Natural Gas ...... 53 Leaked Memo Reveals TTIP Would Export Fracked Gas Restriction-Free From U.S. to EU ...... 54 Permit Allows Fracking Waste Storage in Backyards, Community Fights Back ...... 54 EPA Officials Accept a Million Dollars a Year in Travel Expenses from Private Companies and Nonprofits ...... 54 6 Things That Should Never Be Privatized ...... 55 Quebec to survey Anticosti Island this summer ...... 55 New Brunswick News ...... 56 More contradictory police testimony as the trial of Germaine Breau and Aaron Francis continues 56 Fracking's effect on water Embedded video Deborah Carr and Rexton ...... 56 Report about natural gas fracking causes ripples in New Brunswick ...... 57 CBC Information Morning - Shale Gas and Clean Energy ...... 57 Information Morning - Information Morning Fracking Follow ...... 57 Information Morning - "Told you so" ...... 57 New homeowners concerned about shale gas drilling in community ...... 58 Harry Forestell talks with Stephanie Merrill; Conservation Council of New Brunswick about fracking in NB ...... 58 'Stall' shale gas industry, top public health officer says ...... 58 Information Morning Shale gas concerns Dr. Eilish Cleary ...... 59 Energy Minister Dismisses Risk Of Shale Gas To Groundwater In Province ...... 59 SWN notifies Kent County of exploratory drilling ...... 59
3 Information MOrning - Shale Gas Contracts ...... 59 Judge orders shale gas contracts to be made public ...... 60 Penobsquis - The industrialization of a rural community ...... 60 Red Dot Poll Results for Rexton NB and area May 14 2014 ...... 60 The Crown Found Liable For Damages Flowing From First Nations Blockade ...... 60 Rumour of new LNG terminal creates buzz in Saint John ...... 61 Erin Steuter. The harm of media monopoly...... 61 CTV Atlantic: Homeowners concerned about shale gas ...... 61 Application of Propane Based Hydraulic Fracturing in the McCully Gas Field ...... 61 60 unionized workers protest at McCully field - 2007 ...... 61 Military’s counter-intelligence unit monitored Elsipogtog anti-fracking protests: documents ...... 62 Shale gas protesters continue 3-day march to SWN offices ...... 62 Protesters march against shale gas Embedded video ...... 62 Maritime News ...... 63 Gros Morne oil fracking plan leads UNESCO to seek buffer zone ...... 63 Western Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Area Strategic Environmental Assessment Update ...... 63 Newfoundland Petroleum Board gives go ahead to oil and gas exploration in Gulf of St. Lawrence ...... 63 Nova Scotia’s LNG hopes rest on securing gas supply ...... 64 Allowing oil and gas activity off western NL proves offshore board cannot say no to oil industry ... 64 An incomprehensible green light to offshore drilling ...... 65 Protesters: Fracking not worth the risk ...... 65 Residents, groups call for independent external review of fracking ...... 65 Abandoned Hants County oil well not cleaned up after 11 years ...... 65 Environmental groups want independent fracking review ...... 66 Offshore exploration for oil and gas too close to Marine Protected Area ...... 66 Treated fracking wastewater has arrived at the Lafarge cement plant ...... 67 Abandoned Hants County oil well not cleaned up after 11 years ...... 67 Fracking Nova Scotia? Oil industry confirms Kennetcook and Noel in the crosshairs ...... 67 Spending on major projects hits record high in Atlantic Canada: report ...... 68 Canadian News ...... 69 Goldenkey Withdraws West Lethbridge Drilling Application ...... 69 A rising tide: the case against Canada as a world citizen ...... 69 UBCIC Open Letter of Support and Gratitude to Fort Nelson First Nation ...... 69 UN report on aboriginals warns of crisis in Canada ...... 70 LNG promises an election "gimmick": Grand Chief ...... 70 Christy Clark confronted by Aboriginal leaders torn over LNG plans ...... 70 Our Nationhood National Film Board of Canada Alanis Obomsawin Embedded video ...... 71 Other News ...... 72 Fracking and shale: Marcus Adams and Tony Gallagher Embedded video ...... 72 Why we don’t need fracking UK ...... 72 EPA will seek comments on disclosing frac fluid ingredients ...... 72 Duke Energy to lawmakers: Moving toxic coal ash costs too much ...... 73 Day of Action in Hamilton ...... 73 Mexico's Looming Fracking and Offshore Oil and Gas Bonanza ...... 73 'Over my dead body': northern BC residents overwhelmed by massive LNG push ...... 73 Former Mobil Oil exec urges brakes on gas fracking ...... 74 Letter: Downsides of fracking must be taken seriously ...... 74 Chasing Methane Years of Living Dangerously ...... 74 Designing An Effective Fracking Study For Colorado ...... 75
4 Ecuador authorizes oil drilling in Yasuni National Park ...... 75 Chevron Pollution Judgement In Ecuador Halved By Country's Highest Court ...... 75 Ecuador Adopts Rights of Nature in Constitution ...... 75 First victim of the first Chevron fracking site in Romania (EN/FR/IT/DE/ES/GR) ...... 76 The Lakota vow to die rather than let the KXL pipeline pass ...... 76 Britain Proposes Easier Access to Tap Shale Rock Energy ...... 76 4 injured, 200 evacuated after Washington natural gas plant explosion ...... 77 Ecuador's tribes declare 'national mobilization' against oil and mining ...... 77 Water ...... 78 Why surging water consumption could end the shale gale ...... 78 China wakes up to its water crisis ...... 78 What Happens If Your Town Runs Out of Water? ...... 78 Top Greek court rules water privatization could put public health at risk ...... 79 Fracking and Earthquakes ...... 80 “Frackquakes” could grow stronger — New geophysics studies released Thursday May 1 ...... 80 Mexico’s prospective shale boom will be a long time coming ...... 80 Fracking-triggered earthquakes could get stronger, seismologists say ...... 80 Shale Oil And Gas: Potential For Earthquakes Could Cause Sector To Lose Footing ...... 81 Texas Mayor Appeals for Fracking Data After Eerthquakes Jolt Town ...... 81 Colorado 4 MILE LONG Landslide @ FRACKING operation Embedded videos ...... 82 Oil and Pipelines ...... 83 TransCanada’s Insidious PR Campaign: Launches Keystone XL “Good Neighbor” Charm Offensive ...... 83 Did TransCanada Try to Discredit a Pipeline Safety Whistleblower? ...... 83 Explosive Virginia Train Carried Fracked Bakken Oil, Headed to Potential Export Facility ...... 83 Less Than 24 Hours After Virginia Oil Train Spill, Same Company Derails Again In Maryland ...... 84 First Nations' anti-Keystone XL alliance years in making ...... 84 Stepping up for the climate: Kenora, ON ...... 84 Kinder Morgan has managed to find a silver lining in oil slicks: they could create jobs...... 84 Last local First Nation leaves JOSM ...... 85 Drums of the Great Bear - Historic Gathering Against Enbridge in Prince Rupert ...... 85 Public safety at risk by oil train shipments ...... 85 Oil Companies Plead Guilty to Burnaby Oil Spill ...... 85 Barnet Highway Oil Spill - July 24, 2007 ...... 85 Enbridge Northern Gateway flyover Misleads the public ...... 85 Koch Brothers Are The Largest Foreign Lease Holder of Canadian Oil Sands ...... 86 Chilliwack farmers will block pipeline replacement project ...... 86 Remembering The Exxon Valdez Oil Spill, 25 Years Later ...... 86 Eastbound and down: Atlantic Canada is the next major pipeline battleground ...... 86 "STRAIT UP CRAZY" - Embridge Kalamazopop river dilbit spill ...... 87 Enbridge's Kalamazoo cleanup dredges up 3-year-old oil spill ...... 87 Enbridge slammed for 'Keystone Kops' response to Michigan spill ...... 87 Train Derails Near La Salle In Weld County ...... 87 New Brunswick town cleans up after third train derailment of the year ...... 87 Video: A flyover of the Northern Gateway pipeline route ...... 88 Three people, rail company face charges in Lac-Megantic railway disaster ...... 88 Desmond Tutu: Opposition to pipelines is a moral choice ...... 88 A Confidential Fracking Well Named Ron Burgundy Is Leaking In North Dakota ...... 89 Railway, 3 employees to be charged in Lac-Mégantic train derailment ...... 89 Ottawa defiant as UN deals blow to Northern Gateway pipeline ...... 89 DOT to fine Canadian Pacific for delayed derailment notification ...... 90
5 Los Angeles oil spill covers streets in 190,000 litres ...... 90 Kinder Morgan Training Drill On River Attracts Naysayers ...... 90 LA Oil Spill Spews Crude Into Streets ...... 90 Los Angeles Oil Spill Sends 10,000 Gallons Of Crude Into City Streets ...... 90 Council of Canadians seeks to appeal Energy East ruling ...... 91 New pipeline rules don't reach 'world class' standard ...... 91 Enbridge pipeline road blocked by protesters in Burlington Embedded video ...... 91 Another 200,000 Litres spilled from a pipeline, This time from Talisman Energy Inc...... 92 Ottawa demands NAFTA body drop investigation into oilsands tailings ...... 92 First Nations prepare for fight against Energy East pipeline ...... 92 Federal Study to Assess Dangers of Dilbit When It Spills ...... 93 New Film Destroys TransCanada’s Sunny Keystone PR Campaign ...... 93 UPDATE 2-TransCanada eyes shipping oil by rail amid Keystone XL delays-CEO ...... 93 Russia undercuts B.C. with mega gas deal ...... 93 Koch Brothers Exposed: The Chilling New Documentary Republicans Don’t Want You to See ..... 94 California Shale Bubble Just Burst ...... 94 In Stunning Backtrack, Feds Say Our Largest Shale Oil Reserve Is Mostly Un-Drillable ...... 94 Marking 4 years since the BP Deepwater Horizon blowout ...... 95 Tar Sands Resistance Is Brewing In Québec ...... 95 Activists hold "Frack Off" protest against Christy Clark's LNG projects Embedded videos ...... 96 Kinder Morgan spills a lot of oil ...... 96 Koch brothers’ company files to develop oil sands project ...... 96 Oil executive son's powerful testimony at Enbridge Northern Gateway ...... 97 Shell's Environmental Devastation in Nigeria ...... 97 Oceanography study start to examining risks of Old Harry development ...... 97 Keystone XL hit with new safety conditions in U.S...... 97 The 7.9 Billion-Dollar Question: Is the Site C Dam's Electricity Destined for LNG Industry? ...... 98 East Coast Communities Worry The Next Crude Oil Derailment Could Be Close To Home ...... 98 Keystone XL new safety conditions don't alter economics ...... 98 Crude Oil by Rail, Interactive Map ...... 99 New Report Outlines the Rise of Crude-by-Rail in North America ...... 99 Pipelines vs. Rail: A False Choice ...... 99 Huge explosion on Japanese oil tanker Embedded video ...... 99 "LOCKDOWN" Tar Sands Blockade vs. Keystone XL Pipeline ...... 100 Storm Brewing: Permanent protest setup at proposed tar sands project in Utah ...... 100 Oil rig explodes in Oklahoma, at least one dead - Embedded video ...... 100 Rachel Maddow - Lawmakers help oil industry duck pollution liability Embedded video ...... 100 Desmond Tutu calls oilsands ‘filth’ created by greed in Fort McMurray speech ...... 100 New “Special Conditions” Placed on TransCanada Demonstrate Regulatory Negligence During KXL South Construction ...... 101 Stop the Pipeline ...... 101 Northern Gateway: A pipeline battle that’s only just begun ...... 101 Forestry ...... 103 Ex-government scientists speaking out on policy issues ...... 103 Forestry backlash Two former DNR ministers spoke out against the Alward government's forestry plan ...... 103 PEOPLE’S ALLIANCE STATEMENT ON PROPOSED FORESTRY AGREEMENT ...... 103 Experts suggest that the Irving forestry accord is a bad deal for New Brunswick ...... 103 The Great Resource Giveaway Part 2 ...... 103 Hundreds protest Crown forestry deal outside legislature ...... 103 184 professors demand halt to Crown forest policy - New Brunswick ...... 104
6 Irving GREED Stickers Hit the Streets of Saint John ...... 104 New $3.2 million research lab to be constructed in Sussex ...... 104 Somatic embryogenesis ...... 105 Propagating Trees using Somatic Embryogenesis ...... 105 The dangers of genetically modified trees - David Suzuki ...... 105 Court quashes timber grant to Western Forest Products for not consulting First Nation band ..... 105 Hundreds rally to oppose JD Irving-NB government plan for the forest ...... 106 Democracy Watch compares handling of J.D. Irving Ltd. deal to failed attempt to sell NB Power 106 J.D. Irving pushing forestry deal with media blitz ...... 106 The story of New Brunswick's forests ...... 106 Series of logging cuts in Kings County troubles neighbours ...... 107 The Irvings Clear-Cutting in Crown Land ...... 107 Video Links ...... 108 Coughing up Coal via LinkTV ...... 108 Dedicated to all anti frackers love anonymous ...... 108 Stepping up for the climate: Kenora, ON ...... 108 Fractured Country - An Unconventional Invasion, Lock the Gate Alliance (Australia) ...... 108 True Colors : Idle No More Winnipeg ...... 108 Kelly Derrickson - Idle No More Music Video (Official HD) ...... 108 Dryden - The Small Town that Changed the Fracking Game ...... 108 Drums of the Great Bear - Historic Gathering Against Enbridge in Prince Rupert ...... 109 Information Morning Shale gas concerns Dr. Eilish Cleary ...... 109 Unist'ot'en ...... 109 Oil Companies Plead Guilty to Burnaby Oil Spill ...... 109 Barnet Highway Oil Spill - July 24, 2007 ...... 109 Enbridge Northern Gateway flyover Misleads the public ...... 109 Koch Brothers Are The Largest Foreign Lease Holder of Canadian Oil Sands ...... 109 Bentley Blockade - The Medium is the Message. AU ...... 109 "STRAIT UP CRAZY" - Embridge Kalamazopop river dilbit spill ...... 109 Yoko Ono and Artists Against Fracking Find Out What Fracking Has Done to Pennsylvania ...... 109 Penobsquis - The industrialization of a rural community ...... 110 Video: A flyover of the Northern Gateway pipeline route ...... 110 Experts suggest that the Irving forestry accord is a bad deal for New Brunswick ...... 110 The Great Resource Giveaway Part 1 ...... 110 The Great Resource Giveaway Part 2 ...... 110 The Great Resource Giveaway Part 3 ...... 110 The Great Resource Giveaway Part 4 ...... 110 RESIST ...... 110 Don Bowser asks the question: Who is running the province? ...... 111 Kinder Morgan Training Drill On River Attracts Naysayers ...... 111 LA Oil Spill Spews Crude Into Streets ...... 111 Los Angeles Oil Spill Sends 10,000 Gallons Of Crude Into City Streets ...... 111 No Tar Sands, No Fracking, No Line 9! - National Day of Action ...... 111 Moyers & Company - Full Show: The War on Climate Scientists Embedded video ...... 111 Irving GREED Stickers Hit the Streets of Saint John ...... 111 Monty Python Explains Occupy Wall St. in 3 Minutes ...... 111 Years of Living Dangerously Premiere Full Episode ...... 111 Dr. Jerome A. Paulson Pittsburgh Presentation May 17, 2014 ...... 112 Unconventional Gas / Coal Seam Gas - Collateral Damage ...... 112 Howarth Ingraffea methane briefing - May 7 2014 - Drs. Ingraffea and Howarth ...... 112 Chevron's legacy of pollution and death in Ecuador [Short Documentary) ...... 112
7 Erin Steuter. The harm of media monopoly...... 112 Anonymous Operation Green Rights ...... 112 You have to see it to believe it: What it's like to have fracking in your backyard ...... 112 Activists hold "Frack Off" protest against Christy Clark's LNG projects ...... 112 Texas Oil wellhead explosion kills two, injures nine ...... 112 We Are The People We've Been Waiting For ...... 113 Brigette DePape @ May 23 'Frack Off' LNG Demo ...... 113 Où va le monde ? ...... 113 Film Exposes Harsh Reality of Living Amid North Dakota’s Oil Boom Embedded video ...... 113 Our Nationhood National Film Board of Canada Alanis Obomsawin ...... 113 Oil executive son's powerful testimony at Enbridge Northern Gateway ...... 113 Colorado 4 MILE LONG Landslide @ FRACKING operation Embedded videos ...... 113 "LOCKDOWN" Tar Sands Blockade vs. Keystone XL Pipeline ...... 114 The Irvings Clear-Cutting in Crown Land ...... 114 Project Power (2014) ...... 114 Storm Brewing: Permanent protest setup at proposed tar sands project in Utah ...... 114 David Petraeus Speaks to North Dakota National Guard on 4/29/14 ...... 114 Oil rig explodes in Oklahoma, at least one dead - Embedded video ...... 114 Thoughts on The Missing & Murdered-Audrey Siegl ...... 114 Rachel Maddow - Lawmakers help oil industry duck pollution liability Embedded video ...... 114 Protesters march against shale gas ...... 115 The Door to Hell - Turkmenistan ...... 115
8 Shale Gas Issues From Various Jurisdictions
Foreword
The following documents have been collected by searching the web for information related to shale gas and from the Following web sites and
New Brunswick is NOT For Sale http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_132079906855023
New Brunswickers Concerned About Shale Gas http://www.facebook.com/ccnbshalegas
Ban Hydraulic Fracturing (hydro-fracking) In New Brunswick, Canada http://www.facebook.com/BanFrackingNB
Know Shale Gas NB – Support the legal action to stop Shale Gas in NB http://noshalegasnb.ca/news
NoShaleGasNB http://www.facebook.com/NoShaleGasNB
Shale Gas Info http://www.facebook.com/shalegas
Upriver Environment Watch http://www.facebook.com/groups/UpRiver/
Fracidental Drillers http://www.facebook.com/groups/133930663364584/
Fracking Research and New Brunswick, Canada http://nbfrackingresearch.com/
Facebook Groups: USA - A FACEBOOK FULL OF FRACTIVISTS: State-by-State Listings http://keeptapwatersafe.org/facebook-groups-usa/
Propublica – Links to many articles on Fracking http://www.propublica.org/series/fracking
Another good site: Fracking, Shale Gas and Health http://frackingandhealth.ca/
Is Our Forest Really Ours? http://isourforestreallyours.com/Isourforestreallyours/Welcome.html http://isourforestreallyours.com/Isourforestreallyours/Start_here.html https://www.facebook.com/groups/132079906855023/#!/groups/258525050949366/
More facebook information https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=617426124942641
9 United Opponents of Fracking International http://portjervisny.com/uaf.htm
SHALE GAS ALERTS NEW BRUNSWICK https://www.facebook.com/groups/112468105590081/? hc_location=stream#!/groups/112468105590081/
New Brunswick Anti-Shale Gas Alliance / anti-gaz de schiste du N.-B http://www.noshalegasnb.ca/our-resources/
10 Calls for Moratoriums and Bans
Beverly Hills becomes first in California to ban fracking
(Reuters) - City leaders in celebrity-filled Beverly Hills voted on Tuesday to ban fracking, becoming the first municipality in California to prohibit the controversial technique for extracting natural gas and oil from underground rock deposits.
The unanimous vote by the Beverly Hills city council gives final approval to fracking ban, which was given the initial go-ahead by the panel last month. Council members, five of whom voted in favor of the ban, did not publicly discuss the measure on Tuesday. It will take effect on June 6. http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/05/07/us-usa-fracking-california-idusbrea4603o20140507
11 Contamination and Science
Go slow on fracking, scientists warn
Canadians face a Pandora’s box of potential environmental and health risks as the oil industry charges forward with hydraulic fracturing techniques that are needed to unlock vast natural gas and oil deposits across the country, says a new report for the federal government.
In a 260-page study to be released Thursday, the expert panel concluded that there simply isn’t enough known about the impacts of hydraulic fracturing – or fracking – to declare it safe, and that key elements of the provinces’ regulatory systems “are not based on strong science and remain untested” while there is virtually no federal regulation. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/go-slow-on-fracking-scientists-warn/article18355999/
The report Environmental Impacts of Shale Gas Extraction in Canada http://www.scienceadvice.ca/en/assessments/completed/shale-gas.aspx http://www.scienceadvice.ca/uploads/eng/assessments%20and%20publications%20and%20news %20releases/shale%20gas/shalegas_fullreporten.pdf
Executive Summary http://www.scienceadvice.ca/uploads/eng/assessments%20and%20publications%20and%20news %20releases/shale%20gas/shalegas_execsummen.pdf
CCNB responds to Council of Canadian Academies report on Shale Gas
Conservation Council identified water (potential water contamination, wastewater disposal and use of water) as its main concern in its first publication on shale gas, “Fracking for Shale gas: what you need to know”, in 2010.
“This report is welcomed validation of the concerns that many communities, community groups, unions, medical professionals, churches and others have been voicing but brushed off as misinformed by decision makers” says Stephanie Merrill, Freshwater Program Director for CCNB, and spokeswoman on the shale gas issue. “This report is another in the pile we can point to validate our concerns that we are moving forward with an industry and its impacts that we don’t know enough about, says Merrill. http://www.conservationcouncil.ca/ccnb-responds-to-council-of-academies-report-on-shale-gas/
Incidences environnementales liées à l’extraction du gaz de schiste au Canada
Bing translation - Environmental impacts related to the extraction of shale gas in the Canada
Dans son évaluation, le comité d’experts a mis l’accent sur un certain nombre d’incidences environnementales, dont les suivantes :
• Intégrité des puits
12 • Eaux souterraines et eaux de surface • Émissions de gaz à effet de serre • Incidences sur le territoire et activité sismique • Santé humaine • Surveillance et recherche http://sciencepourlepublic.ca/fr/assessments/completed/shale-gas.aspx? utm_source=shale+gas+launch+general+email&utm_campaign=shale+gas+launch&utm_medium=ema il
Data Shows High Chemical Levels In Denton Air
The air testing was done in a backyard in the Vintage neighborhood on the city’s south end. The neighborhood has been a focal point for the fracking fight in Denton, with gas wells within just a few hundred feet of homes.
A California lab showed benzene readings at 6.5 micrograms per cubic meter of air. That is two points higher than the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s limits for long-term exposure risks. DAG also released video, using an infrared camera, of vapor releases from three facilities in the city.
The lab data showed the presence of at least eight other compounds, but none except benzene appeared to be over the limits used as a standard by the TCEQ. Benzene is an irritant to the skin, eyes and throat. It is also a known carcinogen over time. http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2014/05/01/data-shows-high-chemical-levels-in-denton-air/
Industry disputes report's go-slow fracking advice, but environmentalists agree
EDMONTON -- Environmental groups say they feel vindicated following a report by top scientists that says concerns about natural gas fracking are real and its health and environmental impacts not clearly understood.
But industry officials say those issues aren't enough to justify a suggested go-slow approach to the booming industry.
"We would not agree with that," David Pryce of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers said Thursday. "The fact that we've been in this business for decades in the natural gas business and 10 years in the business of hydraulic fracturing, we've got a great deal of experience in this place." http://www.ctvnews.ca/sci-tech/industry-disputes-report-s-go-slow-fracking-advice-but- environmentalists-agree-1.1801505
What experts say we don’t know about shale gas
When it comes to understanding the hazards associated with the shale gas boom in Pennsylvania, Bernard Goldstein doesn’t mince words.
13 “We’re racing ahead without seriously thinking through how best to do this,” said Dr. Goldstein, a professor of Environmental and Public Health at the University of Pittsburgh and one of the authors of a new report on the environmental impacts of shale gas extraction in Canada.
Dr. Goldstein’s chief worry is that the pace of the industry has left environmental and public-health experts in this state scurrying to keep up. And those experts are finding themselves chronically short of the kind of data that would allow them to say with confidence what effects the industry may or may not be having.
“Unfortunately, the science is at such an immature stage you’ve got widely divergent views,” said panel chair John Cherry of Guelph University. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/what-experts-say-we-dont-know-about-shale- gas/article18356509/
There is No “Right Way” to Frack
Back in 2012, I reported on the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) receiving $6 million from Bloomberg Philanthropies to advocate for fracking regulations. Therefore, yesterday’s New York Times op-ed by EDF President Fred Krupp and Michael Bloomberg, while jarring, wasn’t much of a surprise.
Claiming there’s a safe way to frack is like claiming there’s a safe way to smoke, or a safe way to shoot whiskey before climbing behind the wheel of a car. When you consider the entire lifecycle of shale development, the notion is even laughable.
But EDF has a long track record of greenwashing controversial practices like fracking, and this piece is no different. But contrary to their assertions, there is no “right way” to develop shale gas. Time and again, defenders of fracking point to potential regulations to combat the air and water pollution that comes with fracking. But these measures miss the point entirely. http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/blogs/there-is-no-right-way-to-frack/? utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter&utm_term=food+%26+water+watch
Report on shale gas says more research, transparency needed
U of S prof on expert panel describes potential impact to water http://cjme.com/story/report-shale-gas-says-more-research-transparency-needed/331228
Politicians go on the attack after scientists call for more research into fracking
Deputy premier claims no well has ever leaked in B.C. and hints scientists are biased
OTTAWA — Deputy Premier Rich Coleman challenged Thursday the conclusions of a scientific panel into the environmental effect of shale gas development using fracking.
14 “I don’t agree with them,” he told reporters. “The reality is we’ve been doing this for over 50 years, we’ve never had a contamination from a drill, we’ve never had a drill stem leak or fail. “We do it as well or better than anybody else in the word.”
One of the scientists on the panel, fracking expert Maurice Dusseault, challenged Coleman’s glowing portrayal of the B.C. industry
“Every regulatory jurisdiction in Canada has issues related to long-term wellbore integrity with respect to slow seepage of gas, usually intermediate-depth gas … seeping upward along the outside of the exterior casing. B.C. is not excluded,” he said in an email exchange with The Vancouver Sun.
Dusseault, of the University of Waterloo’s department of earth and environmental sciences, noted that more than 400,000 wells will be needed over several generations to fully exploit one of the biggest plays, the Montney field near Dawson Creek.
“That is not much less than all the wells previously drilled in the Western Canada sedimentary basin. What are the environmental impacts of development at a scale so vast?” said Dusseault. “That is an absolutely legitimate question, and assurances from industry and government alone are insufficient.”
The scientists’ 292-page report says not enough is known about the potential impact of fracking on people and the environment. http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/Politicians+attack+after+scientists+call+more+research+into +fracking/9797868/story.html
The Bacteria That Can Mitigate Fracked Natural Gas Before It Pollutes the Atmosphere
By the ton, methane from fracking has about 20 times the global warming effect of carbon dioxide. Researchers at a college in the United Kingdom believe they have found a tiny way to mitigate the greenhouse gas before it spreads into the atmosphere.
Methylocella silvestris, a single bacterial strain found in soil and other environments around the world, is capable of growing on methane and propane, according to research by a team at the University of East Anglia that was published in Nature, a weekly, international publication.
“The findings could help mitigate the effects of the release of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere from both natural gas seeps in the environment and those arising from man-made activity such as fracking and oil spills,” according to a statement from the university. http://ecowatch.com/2014/05/01/bacteria-fracked-natural-gas-atmosphere/
Fracking report validates environmental concerns in N.W.T.
'This report ties it all in a bow and says yes, in fact, we don't really know a lot of the impacts' http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/fracking-report-validates-environmental-concerns-in-n-w-t- 1.2629503
15 Produced Waters, U.S. Geological Survey National Produced Waters Geochemical Database
During hydrocarbon exploration and extraction, water is typically co-produced from the same subsurface geologic formations. Understanding the composition of these produced waters is important to help investigate the regional hydrogeology, the source of the water and hydrocarbons, the necessary water treatment and disposal plans, potential economic benefits of commodities in the fluids, and the safety of potential sources of drinking or agricultural water.
Additionally, during geothermal development or exploration, other deep formation waters are brought to the surface and may be sampled. This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Produced Waters Geochemical Database, which contains geochemical and other information for produced waters and other deep formation waters of the United States, is a provisional, updated version of the 2002 USGS Produced Waters Database. http://energy.usgs.gov/EnvironmentalAspects/EnvironmentalAspectsofEnergyProductionandUse/Produ cedWaters.aspx#3822349-data http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=3871#.U2f_EfldV75
Fracking with Propane—The Gas Companies’ Latest Tactic to Frack New York
A group of landowners in Tioga County in Western New York State have reached an agreement with gas drillers’ eCorp and GasFrac Energy Services to open up 130,000 acres to gas drilling and to use liquid propane gas (LPG) as a fracking agent. Our lawyers have advised us that New York law does not permit fracking with LPG because given its significant risk of adverse environmental impacts any application to use it would first require its own supplemental-generic or site-specific environmental impact statement. It is unfathomable that the state would consider allowing a process that forces explosive liquid propane gas underground under high pressure without first doing the proper environmental review.
What we do know is that this dangerous new technology resulted in two explosions/fires in 2011—one left three workers hospitalized and one worker with second degree burns—and the second, a flash fire, injured about a dozen workers, two of whom had to be evacuated to the hospital by helicopter. In a third incident, GasFrac Energy Services of Alberta Canada, the company who pioneered this technology, had to shut down the company for two weeks in January 2012 while they investigated a fire at a well site.
GasFrac has touted fracking with liquid propane as a major breakthrough because it eliminates the need for the millions of gallons of water that are needed to frack each well, however, it is not at all clear that fracking with liquid propane gas is any less threatening to the environment or to people’s health than water based fracking. There has been no independent empirical analysis or scientific studies done of the complete life cycle of the process and the only information about it comes from the company’s marketing materials, which claim, for instance, that it is a “green” alternative to water based approaches. http://ecowatch.com/2012/04/10/fracking-with-propane-the-gas-companies-latest-tactic-to-frack-new- york/ http://www.ibtimes.com/fracking-advance-cuts-water-use-may-appease-some-opposition-controversial- practice-1412724
16 Propane butane gas fracs may appease opposition to hydraulic fracturing but only if the dangers are kept from the public
Tudor said that his company had done 2,000 or more fracks by now, with only one “minor incident in Canada” in which a worker got blisters while some equipment was being shut off.
Oil workers suffer burns in blast by Canada’s Occupational Health and Safety Magazine, March 2011. Three GASFRAC Energy Services Inc. employees were transported to an Alberta hospital with burn injuries following an explosion and fire on January 14 [2011].
About a dozen workers were injured after a “flash fire” burst out from an Alberta natural gas well owned by Husky Energy Inc. RCMP reported that 12 workers were hurt…. No deaths have been reported, although three people were sent to an Edmonton burn unit. … Bob Curran, a spokesman with the Energy Resources Conservation Board, said the fire burst out as workers were setting up to begin the underground fraccing. Mr. Curran said the well was to be fractured using propane, a technique that has already injured three other workers this year. In January, Gasfrac Energy Services Inc. said a propane leak at one of its work sites created a “short fire.” http://www.ernstversusencana.ca/propane-butane-gas-fracs-may-appease-opposition-to-hydraulic- fracturing-but-only-if-the-dangers-are-kept-from-the-public
See also
Oil workers suffer burns in blast http://www.ohscanada.com/webexclusivenews/2011/03/oilWorkers.aspx?&er=NA
Husky well fire injures several Alberta workers http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/industry-news/energy-and-resources/husky-well- fire-injures-several-alberta-workers/article584094/
Groundwater contaminated after fracking fluid leak in Canada http://www.boulderweekly.com/article-10388-eco-briefs-groundwat.html
Stock slides as GasFrac parts ways with top managers http://www.calgaryherald.com/technology/Stock+slides+GasFrac+parts+ways+with+managers/7224997 /story.html#ixzz26D7aubgj
Waterless Fracking Moves Into The Market, With Its Own Set Of Safety Issues http://www.mintpressnews.com/waterless-fracking/166070/
Can Gasfrac’s Lpg Technology Quench Fracking Fears? http://alphanow.thomsonreuters.com/2014/05/can-gasfracs-lpg-technology-quench-fracking-fears/
17 Spill Baby Spill : The Year to Date in Frackastrophes
A partial list . . . more fracking nonsense coming your way down a railroad track, highway or river real soon.
The next time some gas bag says, “Fracking can be done safely,” or some such drivel, show them this list: http://www.nofrackingway.us/2014/05/06/spill-baby-spill-the-year-to-date-in-fracking-catastrophes/
Shale well leaks during drilling process, forcing evacuations in Morgan County
A Morgan County shale well being drilled in preparation for fracking began leaking on Sunday, forcing the evacuation of nearby residents.
State and federal environmental emergency-response teams and the drilling company finally contained the mess today, but not before it reached a nearby creek.
Seven residents from three houses were evacuated because of the danger that escaping natural gas might lead to an explosion.
An unknown amount of wet gas — a mixture containing crude oil — also escaped.
As of noon on Tuesday, 330 barrels of oil and water had been collected at the site, according to the U.S. EPA. http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2014/05/07/Morgan-County-fracking-well-leaking-since- Sunday.html
Fracking Well Leak Spills 1,600 Gallons Of Oil Drilling Lubricant Into An Ohio Tributary
About 1,600 gallons of oil-based lubricant leaked into an Ohio river tributary this week, after an equipment failure at an oil and gas well.
The rig site is located in southeastern Ohio near the town of Beverly, and is owned by PDC Energy Inc. One of the company’s contractors is handling the cleanup, under the supervision of Ohio’s Environmental Protection Agency. A spokesperson for PDC told the Associated Press that workers at the site noticed a build up in high pressure in the well, but were unable to contain it thanks to malfunctioning equipment at the well head.
That released the oil based fluid, called “mud,” which is used to lubricate the equipment in the well bore during drilling. The mud reached a creek that serves as a tributary to the Muskingum River, and cleanup crews are using containment dams to prevent the fluid from spreading any further. http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/05/09/3436191/oil-spill-lubricant-ohio/
18 Airborne measurements confirm leaks from oil and gas operation
During two days of intensive airborne measurements, oil and gas operations in Colorado’s Front Range leaked nearly three times as much methane, a greenhouse gas, as predicted based on inventory estimates, and seven times as much benzene, a regulated air toxic. Emissions of other chemicals that contribute to summertime ozone pollution were about twice as high as estimates, according to the new paper, accepted for publication in the American Geophysical Union’s Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres
“These discrepancies are substantial,” said lead author Gabrielle Petron, an atmospheric scientist with NOAA’s Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder. “Emission estimates or ‘inventories’ are the primary tool that policy makers and regulators use to evaluate air quality and climate impacts of various sources, including oil and gas sources. If they’re off, it’s important to know.” http://cires.colorado.edu/news/press/2014/airbornemeasurements.html
The study http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/2013JD021272/abstract
Earlier study http://cires.colorado.edu/news/press/2012/Colorado_oil.html
Oil and Gas Wells Contribute Fuel for Ozone Pollution http://cires.colorado.edu/news/press/2013/natgas.html
Fracking with Propane
There are many problems with the process:
• Liquid propane is highly combustible and presents dangers to workers as well as residents. In 2011 use of it resulted in two explosions/fires – one left 3 workers hospitalized and one worker with second degree burns and the second, a flash fire, injured about a dozen workers, two of whom had to be evacuated to the hospital by helicopter. In a third incident, GasFrac Energy Services had to shut down the company for 2 weeks in January 2012 while they investigated a fire at a well site.
• Liquid propane fracking still requires large quantifies of additional but different chemicals, which at the moment are unknown, but very likely hazardous.
• It requires many truckloads of liquid propane and chemicals for each frack, which have to be hauled to and from the well sites using trucks on local roads, risking accidents and surface pills.
• It does not address the problems associated with the migration of methane and other chemicals into the groundwater from casing failure, leaks, natural faults and old unsealed wells.
19 • There is an added danger of large amounts of propane, a heavier than air gas, leaking and pooling in low spots near the well pad and causing an explosion hazard. • Big compressors would be needed on each site to recondense returned propane for reuse requiring a heavy industrial hazardous operation, which would add to air pollution. http://www.catskillmountainkeeper.org/our-programs/fracking/whats-wrong-with-fracking-2/fracking- with-liquid-propane-gas/
Toxic waste injected into Ohio well
Thousands of gallons of a toxic chemical that spilled into a West Virginia waterway in January are now being injected deep underground in northern Ohio.
About 50,000 gallons of wastewater containing 4-methylcyclohexane methanol, or MCHM, a coal- cleansing chemical — some diluted, some undiluted — have been put into an injection well in Sandusky County, according to Ohio and West Virginia environmental officials.
A Freedom Industries storage tank leaked 7,500 gallons of MCHM into the Elk River in West Virginia in January, triggering drinking-water bans for 300,000 residents of the greater Charleston area. The spill eventually reached the Ohio River, where the water smelled like licorice all the way to Cincinnati. http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2014/05/04/toxic-waste-injected-into-ohio-well.html
Whiff of Phenol Spells Trouble - Injection well issues http://www.propublica.org/article/whiff-of-phenol-spells-trouble
Frackers are flooding the atmosphere with climate-warming methane
We told you in February about the results of a meta-analysis of 20 years worth of scientific studies, which concluded that the EPA underestimates the natural-gas industry’s climate impacts by 25 to 75 percent, due to methane leakage from its gas drilling operations and pipelines. Methane, the main component of natural gas, is a potent greenhouse gas.
For a paper published last week in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, researchers flew aircraft over a heavily fracked region in northeastern Colorado and took air samples. After accounting for pollution produced by landfills, water treatment, and cattle operations, the scientists concluded that emissions from drilling operations were “close to three times higher than an hourly emission estimate” published by the EPA. http://grist.org/news/frackers-are-flooding-the-atmosphere-with-climate-warming-methane/? utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=tweet&utm_campaign=socialflow
The papers http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/2013JD021272/abstract http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2014/04/10/1316546111
20 OIL AND GAS: Spills up 17 percent in U.S. in 2013
There were at least 7,662 spills, blowouts, leaks and other mishaps in 2013 in 15 top states for onshore oil and gas activity, according to an EnergyWire analysis of state records. That's up from 6,546 in the states where comparisons could be made (EnergyWire, July 8, 2013).
That adds up to more than 20 spills a day.
Many of the spills were small. But their combined volume totaled more than 26 million gallons of oil, hydraulic fracturing fluid, "fracking" wastewater and other substances. That's the same volume as what gushed four years ago from BP PLC's ruptured Gulf of Mexico oil well in 11 days.
http://www.eenews.net/stories/1059999364
Dr. Theo Colborn on the Health Effects of Water Contamination from Fracking Video
The Environmental Protection Agency has begun a review of how the drilling process known as hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking," can affect drinking water quality. We speak to Dr. Theo Colborn, the
21 president of the Endocrine Disruption Exchange and one of the foremost experts on the health and environmental effects of the toxic chemicals used in fracking. [includes rush transcript] http://www.democracynow.org/2010/4/14/world_renowned_scientist_dr_theo_colborn
64 Groups From Across U.S. Demand Federal Limits on Air Pollution From Fracking Wells
Today, a robust coalition of 64 local, state and national groups filed a petition calling on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to immediately set pollution limits on oil and gas operations in populous centers around the U.S., according to a joint press release. http://ecowatch.com/2014/05/13/groups-demand-air-pollution-regulation-fracking-wells/ http://files.cdn.ecowatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Screen-Shot-2014-05-13-at-3.34.34-PM.png
Press release http://earthjustice.org/news/press/2014/64-environmental-and-community-groups-file-petition- demanding-federal-limits-on-toxic-oil-gas-well-air-pollution
A whole lot of oil spilled in the U.S. in 2013
Tip your 10-gallon hat to the gas and oil guys. The booming industry spilled 26 million gallons of oil, fracking fluid, fracking wastewater, and other toxic substances during 7,662 accidents in just 15 states last year.
That’s according to an analysis by EnergyWire, which studied state data to conclude that the number of spills was up 18 percent from the year before: http://grist.org/news/a-whole-lot-of-oil-spilled-in-the-u-s-in-2013/
Methane Emissions From Gas Wells Up To 1,000 Times Higher Than Federal Estimate: Study
The Environmental Protection Agency is significantly underestimating the amount of methane that natural gas drilling operations emit, according to a new study published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
The research, which has 13 co-authors from several academic and research institutions, used an aircraft to monitor emissions at several drilling sites in southwestern Pennsylvania in June 2012. Their evaluation found that methane emissions at the sites were 100 to 1,000 times greater than the EPA's estimate of how much methane the sites emit per second. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/15/methane-natural-gas-epa_n_5153205.html
The study http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2014/04/10/1316546111
22 Radioactive Waste Pit - Pictures
Drilling slurry can be radioactive due to the uranium in the shale layer, and contains chemicals, heavy metals, and lubricants used in the drilling.
Naturally occurring radioactive materials are common in gas drilling waste. Radium, a potent carcinogen, is among the most dangerous of these materials because it gives off radon gas and takes 1,600 years to decay. http://www.energy-reality.org/action/radioactive-waste-pit/
23 Questionable Science
Murdoch-owned media hypes lone metereologist's climate junk science
Absurd anti-science faux journalism flares up again - as usual, it's Big Oil that's set to benefit, not the public This morning I, like any of you, was disappointed to see that the frontpage of The Times carried a story by the paper's environment editor, Ben Webster, which read, 'Scientists in cover-up of "damaging" climate view.'
Variations of the story had been plastered everywhere, spearheaded by Murdoch-owned outlets, repeated uncritically by others. The Daily Mail, much loved for its objective reporting on climate change (and other stuff), declared: 'Climate change scientist claims he has been forced from new job in "McCarthy"-style witch-hunt by academics across the world.'
These stories were quoted approvingly by the Wall Street Journal's James Taranto as "the latest reason to distrust the authority of 'consensus' climate scientists." This morning I, like any of you, was disappointed to see that the frontpage of The Times carried a story by the paper's environment editor, Ben Webster, which read, 'Scientists in cover-up of "damaging" climate view.'
Variations of the story had been plastered everywhere, spearheaded by Murdoch-owned outlets, repeated uncritically by others. http://www.theguardian.com/environment/earth-insight/2014/may/16/murdoch-media-hypes-lone- climate-denial-big-oil
Rupert Murdoch is Executive Chairman of News Corp http://newscorp.com/leader/rupert-murdoch/
Rupert Murdoch & family Net Worth - $13.9 Billion http://www.forbes.com/profile/rupert-murdoch/
Who Owns What - News Corp http://www.cjr.org/resources/?c=newscorp
List of assets owned by News Corp http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_assets_owned_by_News_Corp
The News International phone-hacking scandal — dubbed "Hackgate", "Rupertgate"...... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/News_International_phone_hacking_scandal
24 Renewable Energy
French energy minister promises 100,000 green jobs
(Reuters) - Segolene Royal, appointed French energy and environment minister this month, said on Friday she planned to create 100,000 jobs in the next three years with a drive for green growth.
Royal told a news conference she wanted to accelerate investment in renewable energies like wind, solar, biomass and marine energy, as well as in insulation of buildings.
In coming days, Royal will make a joint proposal with the housing minister to provide low-income families financing options for insulation, aiming to renovate 500,000 homes by 2017. http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/04/29/us-france-ecology-employment-idUSKBN0DE0SL20140429
Germany broke world solar power generation record in July with 5.1 TWh, leaving U.S. in dust
Germany's not a very sunny place, yet yet it leads the world in solar power, showing that you don't have to be in the middle of the Sahara desert to generate lots of clean power from the sun. In July 2013, it set a new world record, producing 5.1 terawatt-hours, a mindbogglingly big number that leaves the U.S. far behind with its 0.764 TWh record for May 2013 (we don't have data more recent than that). http://www.treehugger.com/renewable-energy/germany-breaks-world-solar-power-generation-record- july-2013-51-twh-leaves-us-dust.html
Pakistan’s First Solar Project Is One Of The World’s Largest
Last week Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif inaugurated Pakistan’s first solar power park, which will start generating 100 megawatts of energy by the end of the year and a total of 1,000 megawatts by 2016. The Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park project has 400,000 solar panels, with a total cost of around $131 million. When complete the plant will produce about 2.5 times the power coming from the 392 megawatt Ivanpah solar thermal plant in California’s Mojave Desert, making it one of the largest solar parks in the world. http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/05/13/3437021/pakistan-inaugurates-first-solar-park/
Renewable energy provides 6.5 million jobs globally
ISLAMABAD - In 2013, approximately 6.5 million people were already employed in the renewable energy industry worldwide, a new study by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) reveals.
The study- Renewable Energy and Jobs - Annual Review 2014 - underlines the important role that renewables continue to play in employment creation and growth in the global economy, Arab News reported. The comprehensive annual review shows steady growth in the number of renewable energy jobs worldwide, which expanded from 5.7 million in 2012.
25 “With 6.5 million people directly or indirectly employed in renewable energy, the sector is proving that it is no longer a niche, it has become a significant employer worldwide,” said IRENA Director General Adnan Z. Amin. http://www.nation.com.pk/business/19-May-2014/renewable-energy-provides-6-5-million-jobs-globally
New Report Exposes Fossil Fuel Front Groups Behind Attacks on Renewables
Fossil fuel exploitation in the United States has reached a fevered pitch. Oil production is at a near- record high, and fracking activities have made the U.S. the number one producer of natural gas. All of this comes at a cost. In 2013, the oil industry averaged 20 oil spills per day, destroying countless swaths of the environment and leaving toxic chemicals for nearby residents to deal with. Meanwhile, oil and gas train derailments have totaled at least 11 in the last 11 months.
The Energy and Policy Institute (EPI) has released a report detailing not only the fossil fuel front groups behind the attacks on clean energy, but also how they are able to use their money and political muscle to prevent a viable market for clean energy, limiting energy choices for consumers. http://www.desmogblog.com/2014/05/22/new-report-exposes-fossil-fuel-interest-groups-behind-clean- energy-attacks
The report
Attacks on Renewable Energy Standards and Net Metering Policies By Fossil Fuel Interests & Front Groups 2013-2014! http://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/energyandpolicy/pages/99/attachments/original/1400726723/Rep ort-State-Renewable-Energy-Attacks-by-Fossil-Fuel-Front-Groups.pdf?1400726723
A Huge Utility Says Wind Power Now Costs Less Than Fossil Fuels
But over the past few years, the technology has improved, mass manufacturing has brought costs down and renewable energy sources like wind became drastically cheaper. So much so, that one of Europe’s largest utilities recently declared wind to be the most inexpensive energy source of all.
“It is clear more and more that our product [wind energy] is good,” João Manso Neto, head of renewables for Portugal’s EDP, told analysts in London. “Not only because it’s green…but because it’s more competitive, it’s cheaper.” http://motherboard.vice.com/read/huge-utility-says-clean-energy-now-costs-less-than-fossil-fuels
26 Science and Health
With no health registry, PA doesn't know the impact of fracking on health
Other studies are underfunded
After more than five years and about 6,000 wells drilled in the Marcellus Shale boom, public-health experts say the need to collect information near fracking operations in Pennsylvania is urgent.
A health registry could show trends of illnesses, collect data and potentially answer the question of whether fracking is safe — a debate currently characterized by emotional arguments with little reliable information.
How will anyone in the state know the possible health impacts of hydraulic fracturing unless information is collected?
A health registry “is a critical issue that needs to be addressed,” said Dr. Ralph Schmeltz, an endocrinologist and former president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society. http://www.witf.org/news/2014/04/with-no-health-registry-pa-doesnt-know-the-impact-of-fracking-on- health.php#.U2JQ6solRcR.facebook
3 generations of oil and gas contamination
It all began with sickness and then the sick of being sickness. Since last fall my daughter Ema, granddaughter Hailey (age 12), and I have been sick – a lot. Ema actually spent a day in the ER undergoing all sorts of tests. Several thousand dollars later (she was uninsured) the doctors still didn’t know what was wrong. Was it the flu? Possibly. Was it allergies? Maybe.
• What are the symptoms? • Upper respiratory infections • Swollen glands • Sore throat • Congestion • Coughing • Sneezing • Earaches • Shortness of breath • Itchy, watery, burning eyes
Years of living dangerously close to the gas patch (since 1996) has taught me what exposure to VOCs looks like. I remembered how sick Ema, Hailey, and I were in February and March last year when Ursa was venting and flaring the wells on Silt Mesa and Peach Valley. Hellish.
I was lucky enough to find Dr. John Hughes at Aspen Integrative Medicine. He said he could facilitate the testing of our blood and urine for VOCs. His nurse took blood and urine samples from Ema, Hailey, and I and they were sent to the lab at CSU. Yes, the same CSU that is currently conducting the air quality study for Garfield County. Testing was done at our expense.
27 The test results showed the presence of ethylbenzene and xylenes in all three urine samples. Hailey’s blood sample also contained high levels of ethylbenzene and xylenes. VOCs in the blood indicate recent exposure. VOCs in the urine indicate chronic exposure — like workers in the workplace. http://fromthestyx.wordpress.com/2014/04/17/3-generations-of-oil-and-gas-contamination/
Fracking ourselves to death in Pennsylvania
More than 70 years ago, a chemical attack was launched against Washington State and Nevada. It poisoned people, animals, everything that grew, breathed air, and drank water. The Marshall Islands were also struck. This formerly pristine Pacific atoll was branded “the most contaminated place in the world.” As their cancers developed, the victims of atomic testing and nuclear weapons development got a name: downwinders. What marked their tragedy was the darkness in which they were kept about what was being done to them. Proof of harm fell to them, not to the U.S. government agencies responsible.
Now, a new generation of downwinders is getting sick as an emerging industry pushes the next wonder technology — in this case, high-volume hydraulic fracturing. Whether they live in Texas, Colorado, or Pennsylvania, their symptoms are the same: rashes, nosebleeds, severe headaches, difficulty breathing, joint pain, intestinal illnesses, memory loss, and more. “In my opinion,” says Yuri Gorby of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, “what we see unfolding is a serious health crisis, one that is just beginning.” http://www.salon.com/2013/05/02/fracking_ourselves_to_death_in_pennsylvania_partner/
Why Don’t We Have Good Data On The Health Effects Of Fracking?
This week the Colorado Senate Appropriations Committee defeated a bill that would have commissioned a study on the health effects of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, in the state’s Front Range.
It was the second time Representative Joann Ginal (D-Front Range) had unsuccessfully proposed a study looking at fracking’s health effects, but she indicated she’ll be bringing it up again next year.
Opponents of the study claimed that it was politically motivated and would be biased, and that it would be an unnecessary duplication of existing studies. But they mentioned no specific provisions of the bill that would cause bias, and were not able to provide recent studies on the impact of fracking on public health. http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/05/04/3432812/fracking-safe-study/
With no health registry, state doesn’t know the impact of fracking on health
After more than five years and about 6,000 wells drilled in the Marcellus shale boom, public-health experts say the need to collect information near fracking operations in Pennsylvania is urgent.
28 A health registry could show trends of illnesses, collect data and potentially answer the question of whether fracking is safe -- a debate currently characterized by emotional arguments with little reliable information.
How will anyone in the state know the possible health impacts of hydraulic fracturing unless information is collected?
NO FUNDS FOR HEALTH REGISTRY
In 2012, the language that would have provided $2 million in funds, part of which was designated for the health registry, was cut when Act 13 was passed.
Of the annual $200 million impact fee, not a penny has gone to the Department of Health for any issues involving the industry.
Jay Pagni, Corbett’s press secretary, declined to respond to a question about why no impact-fee funds have gone to the department. Nor would he respond to claims by health experts that Corbett doesn’t want to look at the health consequences of shale drilling. http://m.timesonline.com/news/energy/with-no-health-registry-state-doesn-t-know-the- impact/article_977578cf-70da-579a-91a9-8348cace1440.html?mode=jqm
How Fracking Is Exposing People to Radioactive Waste
With all that press you may have missed another cause for alarm: radiation risks. The oil and gas- drilling boom, aided by the practice of fracking, has unleashed some potentially scary radioactive stuff into our environment.
Fracking involves injecting large quantities (sometimes millions of gallons) of water, sand, and chemicals at high pressure deep underground to break apart shale and release trapped hydrocarbons like oil and gas. But the process can also bring to the surface water that is laced with naturally- occurring radioactive materials that were underground. In small, dispersed quantities low-level radiation is not life threatening, but what happens when those quantities start increasing in the environment, and getting into the water we drink, the fish we eat, and the soil in which our food grows?
Scientists are trying to figure that out. But it’s a difficult process to track since fracking isn’t regulated under most federal environmental laws like the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Clean Water Act. That means industry is charge of policing itself a lot of the time. http://www.alternet.org/environment/fracking-can-expose-you-radioactive-waste-even-youre-far-away- drilling-site
AP IMPACT: Deadly Side Effect to Fracking Boom
Booming production of oil and natural gas has exacted a little-known price on some of the nation's roads, contributing to a spike in traffic fatalities in states where many streets and highways are choked with large trucks and heavy drilling equipment.
29 An Associated Press analysis of traffic deaths and U.S. census data in six drilling states shows that in some places, fatalities have more than quadrupled since 2004 — a period when most American roads have become much safer even as the population has grown.
"We are just so swamped," said Sheriff Dwayne Villanueva of Karnes County, Texas, where authorities have been overwhelmed by the surge in serious accidents. The industry acknowledges the problem, and traffic agencies and oil companies say they are taking steps to improve safety. But no one imagines that the risks will be eliminated quickly or easily.
"I don't see it slowing down anytime soon," Villanueva said. In North Dakota drilling counties, the population has soared 43 percent over the last decade, while traffic fatalities increased 350 percent. Roads in those counties were nearly twice as deadly per mile driven than the rest of the state. In one Texas drilling district, drivers were 2.5 times more likely to die in a fatal crash per mile driven compared with the statewide average. http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/ap-impact-deadly-side-effect-fracking-boom-23590362
New Report Documents Chemical Disasters and Environmental Injustice in the U.S.
Americans who face the greatest threat from potential toxic chemical disasters are predominantly from low income and minority communities, a new report released by the Environmental Justice and Health Alliance asserts.
In a first-of-its-kind study, the report, Who’s in Danger? A Demographic Analysis of Chemical Disaster Vulnerability Zones, documents the high-risk factors of living within the vicinity of chemical facilities— including water and wastewater treatment facilities, power plants, bleach production facilities, petroleum refineries and paper mills. The report dubs these hotspots “vulnerability zones,” or “fenceline zones.”
“Our government has allowed these facilities to be disproportionately located in communities of color and has allowed chemical corporations and the officials who are supposed to be protecting us to tragically fail workers and surrounding communities,” explains Michele Roberts, co-author of the report. http://ecowatch.com/2014/05/05/report-chemical-disasters-environmental-injustice/
The report http://www.comingcleaninc.org/assets/media/images/Reports/Who%27s%20in%20Danger%20Report %20and%20Table%20FINAL.pdf
North Dakota Is the Deadliest State to Work In
In fact, across all industries, North Dakota has the least safe working conditions of any state in the country, according to federal data compiled in a new report from the AFL-CIO. The report ranked North Dakota dead last for workplace safety. (Massachusetts ranked the most safe.) North Dakota had by far the highest overall workplace fatality rate, 17.7 deaths per 100,000 workers—about five times higher than the national average. According to the report, that's one of the highest fatality rates ever reported in any state. http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2014/05/north-dakota-nations-deadliest-state-work-fracking
30 Renowned NYU Professor: GMOs Could Literally Destroy the Planet
Nassim Taleb, a renowned New York University (NYU) professor recently raised eyebrows when he said genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have the potential to cause “an irreversible termination of life at some scale, which could be the planet.” Taleb, who specializes in risk engineering, has outlined the dangers of GMOs in The Precautionary Principle, a paper recently made available to the public.
Taleb’s primary concern isn’t that ingesting GMOs is necessarily bad for people; rather, he’s focused on what effects the genetic manipulation of nature will have on the worldwide ecosystem. While Taleb concurs the risk of any one GMO seed ruining the planet is incredibly small, he argues that people are underestimating the domino effect of risk that’s involved. http://ecowatch.com/2014/03/06/nyu-gmos-destroy-planet/
The paper, The Precautionary Principle - A Statistical Analysis
We present a non-naive, fragility-based, version of the precautionary principle, put it under formal statistical and probabilistic structure of ”ruin” problems. http://www.fooledbyrandomness.com/pp2.pdf
Wrecking the Earth: Fracking has grave radiation risks few talk about
But in 1984 a US patent (US 4441428) was filed by one Thomas Wilson, entitled “Conical Shaped Charge Liner of Depleted Uranium.” The patent begins: “this invention relates to a novel blasting device especially adapted for drilling oil and gas wells.”
In case you might think this is all scaremongering, academic and unrelated to fracking, another patent was filed more recently in 2011 (US Patent 20110000669) by Halliburton (think: oil, gas, armaments, missiles, Dick Cheney) entitled “Perforating gun assembly and method for controlling wellbore pressure during perforating”. The patent specifically refers to Depleted Uranium. http://rt.com/op-edge/fracking-radioactive-uranium-danger-ecology-057/
Range Resources “Equipment Failure” Leads to Gas Leak, Precautionary Evacuation in Washington County
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is investigating an “equipment failure” at a Range Resources well pad in Washington County that caused a gas leak and spurred a precautionary evacuation of about 35 residents Wednesday morning.
DEP spokesman John Poister said Range Resources reported the “equipment failure” at the Herman Pad in Mt. Pleasant to Washington County 911 at 7:14 a.m. Wednesday. The local l volunteer fire department and Range Resources personnel responded. http://marcellusmonitor.wordpress.com/2014/05/14/range-resources-equipment-failure-leads-to-gas- leak-precautionary-evacuation-in-washington-county/
31 Spike in Stillborn and Neonatal Deaths Reported in Heavily Drilled Vernal, Utah
A midwife in Vernal, Utah, has raised a red flag about a spike in the number of stillbirths and neonatal deaths in the small town in 2013.
The concern has arisen alongside explosive growth in drilling and fracking in the area. Energy companies have flocked to Vernal in the last few years to develop massive oil and gas fields beneath Uintah County.
The midwife, Donna Young, who has worked in the Vernal area for 19 years, delivered the first stillborn baby she's seen in all her years of practice in May 2013. Doctors could not determine a reason for the baby's death. http://desmogblog.com/2014/05/16/spike-stillborn-and-neonatal-deaths-uncovered-heavily-drilled- vernal-utah? utm_content=buffer2d987&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer
Dr. Jerome A. Paulson Pittsburgh Presentation May 17, 2014 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WCTxBDV98g&feature=player_embedded
N.C. bill would make it a felony to disclose fracking chemicals
People who disclose confidential information about hydraulic fracturing chemicals in North Carolina would be subject to criminal penalties and civil damages, under a bill in the state Legislature.
The "Energy Modernization Act," which was introduced yesterday, would make it a Class I felony to disclose trade secrets related to hydraulic fracturing, while spelling out how the information is supposed to be provided to emergency workers. Class I is the lowest-level felony, punishable by a few months' imprisonment.
"It is very concerning," said Hope Taylor, executive director of Clean Water North Carolina. "That could have a very chilling effect on folks in the agencies who want to help emergency responders." http://www.eenews.net/stories/1059999688
The Science Is Deafening - Industry's Gas Migration
Brief Review of Threats to Canada's Groundwater from the Oil and Gas Industry's Methane Migration and Hydraulic Fracturing
A Public Interest Project by Ernst Environmental Services http://www.frackingcanada.ca/industrys-gas-migration/
32 Dead Babies and Utah's Carbon Bomb
A sudden and extreme spike in neonatal mortality in Utah's rural Uinta Basin is most probably related to the toxic air pollution related to the fossil fuel drilling/fracking frenzy in Eastern Utah. And the local poobahs want to kill the messenger.
Donna Young is a midwife in Vernal, Utah, with 20 years experience managing home births in Idaho and Utah. She lives in the Uinta Basin, the heart of the fossil fuel drilling/fracking frenzy in Eastern Utah. On May 8, 2013, she had her first stillbirth. At the funeral service a few days later, she noted what seemed like an extraordinary number of infant graves with recent dates at the cemetery. She decided to investigate. http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/23885-dead-babies-and-utahs-carbon-bomb
Frack Till You Drop
This month, the AFL-CIO unveiled its annual “Death on the Job” report, which highlights the often- overlooked toll of workplace accidents and fatalities. This year’s biggest takeaway: the dangerous—and deadly—consequences of America’s fracking-fueled oil and gas boom.
“The escalating fatalities and injuries in the oil and gas extraction industry demand intensive and comprehensive intervention,” the AFL-CIO’s report reads. “Without action, the workplace fatality crisis in this industry only will get worse as production intensifies and expands.”
Recent studies suggest that fracking workers are at particularly high risk of exposure to silica dust from that frac sand. Over time, silica dust exposure can cause cancer, silicosis and other fatal diseases. http://inthesetimes.com/working/entry/16720/frack_till_you_drop
33 Economics, Legal, and Investigations
Students Stage Day of Action As Harvard University Refuses to Divest From Fossil Fuels
Student activists with the Divest Harvard campaign blockaded one of the main entrances to Harvard University President Drew Faust’s office in Harvard Yard today, kicking off a day of non-violent action. Students are calling for an open debate about fossil fuel divestment with the Harvard Corporation after having been denied a public meeting with the administration since fall 2013, according to the groups press release.
Supported by 350.org and Better Future Project, the campaign is part of a global movement including more than 400 campuses calling for endowments to divest from publicly traded coal, oil and gas companies that own the majority of the world’s carbon reserves. The fossil fuel divestment movements aims to stigmatize and decrease the influence of fossil fuel companies responsible for the worsening climate crisis. http://ecowatch.com/2014/04/30/harvard-university-fossil-fuel-divestment/
How Gas Leases Threaten Mortgage Process - Bank White Paper
Bank White Paper Explores Impact of Gas/Oil Leasing On Property Valuation & Mortgage Financing
Mortgage financing on residential property with a gas or oil drilling lease “creates challenges for banks,” according to Greg May, vice president of residential lending at Tompkins Trust Company in Ithaca, NY.
The emerging issue of drilling and its impact on the financial side of property ownership is significant given the potential spread of shale gas extraction in many states. May’s analysis, in the form of a white paper, is an excellent contribution to unwinding the issue.
Among other key points, it states (emphasis added): “Gas/oil leases are generally NOT accepted by lenders such as Wells, First Place Bank, Provident Funding, GMAC, FNCB, Fidelity, FHA, First Liberty or Bank of America. It would be difficult, if not impossible, to meet the ‘acceptable if commonly granted’ rule.” [p. 4] http://www.spectraenergywatch.com/blog/?p=1272
First Nation challenge to B.C. pipeline
NORTH VANCOUVER, B.C. – A B.C. First Nation has launched a legal challenge of the National Energy Board’s planned review of a controversial pipeline project. The Tsleil-Waututh Nation is disputing the board’s decision to review Kinder Morgan’s proposed expansion of its Trans Mountain pipeline between Alberta’s oilsands and Metro Vancouver.
Last month, the National Energy Board announced it would hold hearings beginning in August, allowing 400 interveners out of more than 2,100 applicants. The legal challenge says the energy board shouldn’t be permitted to begin the review until it meaningfully consults with the Tsleil-Waututh, which the band says hasn’t happened. http://globalnews.ca/news/1307245/first-nation-challenge-to-b-c-pipeline/
34 UVic faculty demand divestment from fossil fuel
Professors at the University of Victoria are demanding the school's administration freeze all new investment in fossil fuels and initiate a three-year divestment plan.
The university endowment fund has about $21 million currently invested in fossil fuels. In an open letter addressed to Lisa Hill, chair of the University of Victoria Foundation and copied to university president Jamie Cassels, faculty members voiced concerns over the ethical and financial viability of fossil fuel investments, noting "the growing North American movement, led by students, to see their universities act as moral leaders for their communities by disinvesting from such companies." http://thetyee.ca/Blogs/TheHook/2014/05/02/UVic-faculty-demand-divestment/? utm_source=daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=030514
Fossil fuel subsidies costing global economy $2 trillion: IMF
As has been noted here before, the combined value of global fossil fuel subsidies can be difficult to calculate, with recent estimates ranging from $500 billion to $1.9 trillion. But according to the International Monetary Fund, when you factor in implicit subsidies from the failure to charge for pollution, climate change and other externalities, the post-tax cost comes in at closer to $2 trillion – equivalent to about 2.9 per cent of global GDP, or 8.5 per cent of government revenues.
This eyebrow-raising figure was quoted ahead of this week’s two-day conference in Kenya, co-hosted by UNEP, IMF, GIZ and the Global Subsidies Initiative of IISD. The theme of landmark meeting – “Reforming Fossil Fuel Subsidies for an Inclusive Green Economy” – will focus on how fiscal policies can address the perverse effects of fossil fuel subsidies and strengthen government spending for sustainable development. http://reneweconomy.com.au/2014/fossil-fuel-subsidies-costing-global-economy-2-trillion-imf-79534
Ohio fracking boom has not brought jobs
In northeastern Ohio, where a fracking boom kicked off 2011, there was no more jobs growth last year than there was in the state’s unfracked western and southern regions. That’s the conclusion of a new report [PDF] published by Cleveland State University’s Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs. The report was not peer-reviewed.
The study found that overall spending in counties with the richest shale reserves increased by 21.1 percent in 2012, compared with a 6.4 percent increase in counties where no fracking is underway. The more shale buried beneath a county, the more money is likely to be spent there in the era of fracking, according to the study’s findings. But that economic bounce did not translate to jobs growth. In shale-rich counties, employment grew by 1.4 percent between 2011 and 2012. In fracker-free counties, employment grew by 1.3 percent. http://grist.org/news/ohio-fracking-boom-has-not-brought-jobs/
The report http://urban.csuohio.edu/publications/hill/OhioUticaShaleRegionMonitor_Mar2013.pdf
35 Australians Divest From the ‘Big Four’ Banks That Fund Fossil Fuel Projects
Today and tomorrow hundreds of customers with Australia’s Big Four Banks will close their accounts in a statement against the banks’ investments in new coal and gas projects. These customers will be taking part in Australia’s first “National Days of Divestment Action” organized by Market Forces and 350.org Australia.
The key objective of the “National Days of Divestment Action” is to cause a social stigma around fossil fuel investments in a similar manner to the boycotts against the South African apartheid regime and the tobacco industry.
This is the latest phase in the rapidly growing fossil fuel divestment movement, which has won support from high profile individuals such as Archbishop Desmond Tutu, World Bank President Dr Jim Yong Kim and Head of the UNFCCC Christiana Figueres. http://ecowatch.com/2014/05/02/australians-divest-from-banks-fund-fossil-fuels/
Why Are Fracking Hopefuls Suing a County in New Mexico?
Colonization is not a foreign concept in Mora County, New Mexico. First it was the Spaniards, in 1598, then Mexico in 1821 and finally, after the Battle of Mora in 1847, the United States laid claim. Now the fossil fuel industry wants a turn. But Mora’s people won’t have it.
Last spring Mora became the first county in the United States to strip the legal personhood of corporations involved in hydrocarbon extraction. Citizens spent years replacing every member of Mora’s county commission in an effort to protect the county’s water and environment, and finally, in April 2013, the commission passed the “Mora County Community Water Rights and Local Self- Government Ordinance.” http://www.thenation.com/article/179774/why-are-fracking-hopefuls-suing-county-new-mexico
Oil money behind Keystone XL Senate bill breaks 20 million dollars
But unfortunately, according to our Dirty Energy Money database, that money actually represents the amount the oil industry has given to Senators who cosponsored a bill introduced today by Senators Landrieu (D-LA) and Hoeven (R-ND) pushing for approval of the disastrous Keystone XL pipeline. Cosponsored by the entire Republican Senate caucus and 11 Democratic Senators, it’s the latest in a series of efforts by the oil-soaked Congress to circumvent normal process for considering these pipelines and is expected to be voted on next week.
The Senate is swimming in dirty energy money, but the $21 million in Big Oil cash behind this bill is huge even in that context. On average, each Senator signed on as a cosponsor has received roughly $375,000 from the oil industry. Meanwhile Senators not listed as cosponsors average $78,000 in oil money per Senator.* http://priceofoil.org/2014/05/01/oil-money-behind-keystone-xl-senate-bill-breaks-20-million-dollars/ http://dirtyenergymoney.com/
36 Why Green Jobs Are Booming in Bangladesh
Bangladesh is known for its apparel manufacturing industry—and for the conditions faced by garment workers toiling in Dickensian factories for a dollar a day. But according to a report released Sunday, the South Asian nation has become a top hot spot for renewable energy jobs, creating a green workforce as large as Spain’s in 2013.
Bangladeshi’s are installing small photovoltaic systems at a rate of 80,000 a month, says the report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). In a country where only 47 percent of the population had access to electricity in 2009, according to the Asian Development Bank, solar is increasingly becoming a way to leapfrog the need to build a bigger power grid. http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2014/05/why-a-green-jobs-boom-is-under-way-in- bangladesh/362087/
IMF Pegs Canada's Fossil Fuel Subsidies at $34 Billion
While Canada slashes budgets for research, education and public broadcasting, there is one part of our economy that enjoys remarkable support from the Canadian taxpayer: the energy sector.
The International Monetary Fund estimates that energy subsidies in Canada top an incredible $34 billion each year in direct support to producers and uncollected tax on externalized costs.
These figures are found in the appendix of a major report released last year estimating global energy subsidies at almost $2 trillion. http://thetyee.ca/Opinion/2014/05/15/Canadas-34-Billion-Fossil-Fuel-Subsidies/?utm_source=editor- tweet&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=150514 http://www.imf.org/external/np/pp/eng/2013/012813.pdf
The Economics of Insurgency - Thoughts on Idle No More & critical infrastructure
News reports are ablaze with reports of looming Indigenous blockades and economic disruption. As the Idle No More movement explodes into a new territory of political action, it bears to amplify the incredible economic leverage of First Nations today, and how frightened the government and industry are of their capacity to wield it.
In recent years, Access to Information (ATI) records obtained by journalists reveal a massive state-wide surveillance and “hot spot monitoring” operation coordinated between the Department of Indian Affairs, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), local security forces, natural resource and transportation ministries, border agencies, and industry stakeholders. These efforts have been explicitly mobilized to protect “critical infrastructure” from Indigenous attack. http://www.mediacoop.ca/story/economics-insurgency/15610
37 A Clash of Ideals and Investments at Swarthmore
That moment, and others like it, have touched off a nationwide movement that is beginning to affect how colleges, universities, other institutions and pension funds are investing their vast financial resources. A week ago, Stanford University rocked the endowment world when it said its $18.7 billion endowment would not make direct investments in publicly traded companies whose primary business is mining coal for energy generation. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/17/business/a-clash-of-ideals-and-investments-at-swarthmore.html? emc=eta1&_r=1
Washington's shale gas bonanza's going bust. Engdahl.
While initial production from most shale gas plays was unusually high, an essential component of the Wall Street shale gas bubble hype, the same gas regions declined dramatically within a year. They found “in general, shale well output tends to drop by 60% or more from the Initial Production rate level over the first 12 months.
The second metric is that the available longer-term production data suggests that levels of production decline in later years are moderate, often less than 20% per year.” http://the-tap.blogspot.ca/2014/05/washingtons-shale-gas-bonanzas-going.html
Santos pressed to reveal CSG drilling data on contaminated bores as farmers go to court
The Mullaley Gas and Pipeline Association applied to the NSW Land and Environment Court on Wednesday to require Santos to release water-monitoring data related to drilling near one farmer’s property south of Narrabri. The NSW Environmental Defenders Office is representing the group. The grazier, Tony Pickard, had previously made public concerns that two of his bores had begun producing undrinkable water in 2012, forcing him to install rainwater tanks. The bores are located one or two kilometres from seven active CSG wells, known as the Dewhurst 8 pilot site, on the neighbouring property. http://www.smh.com.au/environment/santos-pressed-to-reveal-csg-drilling-data-on-contaminated- bores-as-farmers-go-to-court-20140521-zrjsf.html
Coal gas company warns - stop campaigning or we will sue
Lawyers for Five Quarter Energy Holdings have sent a 'cease and desist' notice to Scottish campaigner Mel Kelly. The notice threatens her with legal action if she does not immediately stop drawing attention to the dangers of Underground coal gasification (UGC) - a technology so polluting that it makes 'fracking' look reasonable. What unsettlingly fiendish action had she done in order to receive such threats? She wrote a short but highly critical report about the politically-backed project for UCG and sent it to politicians in Scotland. http://www.theecologist.org/News/news_analysis/2402220/coal_gas_company_warns_stop_campaigni ng_or_we_will_sue.html
38 Russia, China sign natural gas deal worth $400B
China signed a landmark deal Wednesday to buy Russian natural gas worth about $400 billion, giving a boost to diplomatically isolated President Vladimir Putin and expanding Moscow's ties with Asia.
Price negotiations on the 30-year deal continued into the final hours of a two-day visit by Putin to China, during which both sides had said they hoped to sign an agreement. http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/russia-china-sign-natural-gas-deal-worth-400b-1.2649241
Russia, China sign deal to bypass U.S. dollar
In a symbolic blow to U.S. global financial hegemony, Russia and China took a small step toward undercutting the domination of the U.S. dollar as the international reserve currency on Tuesday when Russia’s second biggest financial institution, VTB, signed a deal with the Bank of China to bypass the dollar and pay each other in domestic currencies.
Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, a bloc of the world’s five major emerging economies — have long sought to diminish their dependence on the dollar as a means of reshaping the world financial and geopolitical order. In the absence of a viable alternative, however, replacing it has proved difficult. http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/5/20/russia-china-bankdeal.html
Fracking blamed for ruining water wells, led to $4.1M settlement
DIMOCK, Pa. -- Ray Kemble, a mechanic and former gas field worker, is campaigning to stop fracking operations that he and his neighbors blame for ruining their water wells.
Kemble, 58, lives within a 9-square-mile area where Pennsylvania regulators have banned new gas wells after several high-profile cases of contamination led to a $4.1 million settlement against a gas company.
Dimock, a northeastern Pennsylvania township of about 1,500 residents, became a focus of the national debate a few years ago. Footage of faucet water lit on fire became emblematic of opponents' arguments against hydraulic fracturing.
Kemble, along with several of his neighbors, blamed Cabot Oil & Gas for their water turning cloudy and bubbly. http://www.fayobserver.com/news/local/article_d20c4475-3189-5849-94b7-5f60d499abd9.html
Local Protesters Are Killing Big Oil and Mining Projects Worldwide
Multinational corporations are infamous for pushing native people off their land in order to open a new gold mine, extract oil, or otherwise extract local resources. For decades, backlash has been thought to be both limited and ineffectual, but new evidence suggests that protests from local people are effective,
39 extremely costly for the companies, and often lead to substantive changes to or total abandonment of a project.
The researchers, led by Daniel Franks, took a look at 50 planned major extractive projects (oil drilling, new mine construction, that sort of thing) and found that in fully half of them, local people launched some sort of “project blockade.” In 40 percent of the projects, someone died as a result of a physical protest, and 15 of the projects were suspended or abandoned altogether, according to Franks' study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. http://motherboard.vice.com/read/local-protesters-are-killing-big-oil-and-mining-projects-worldwide
The paper http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2014/05/08/1405135111
Southwestern Energy being sued in U.S.
A company planning to drill for oil and natural gas in New Brunswick is being sued in the United States.
Several families in Pennsylvania are accusing Southwestern Energy of contaminating their drinking water.
The lawsuit alleges chemicals from the company's hydrofracking activities spoiled their freshwater wells. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/southwestern-energy-being-sued-in-u-s-1.1007172
Are Shales A Bubble? by By Deborah Lawrence (Formerly Deborah Rogers)
Hype works. Particularly when monetary and economic benefits are promised. Hype has been the primary tool used by the oil and gas industry with regard to shales and it has worked brilliantly. There is just one problem. When considering shale economic viability, hype was the only aspect that actually existed.
Interestingly, the past year has brought massive write downs in shale assets and a frenzy of asset sales. Some companies, such as Shell, admitted that their divestment of North American shale properties was to stem the financial hemorrhaging and to distance themselves from disappointing well results. Others, like Exxon Mobil, claim to still be true believers in spite of their losses.
According to a Bloomberg article dated May, 2014:
“The recent battering of Forest Oil (FST) shows how the borrow-drill strategy can backfire. Forest generated $1.3 billion by selling assets in 2013 to pay down debt and finance its drilling as it focused on its Eagle Ford acreage. In February the company reported disappointing well results. Forest didn’t have enough revenue coming in to keep from running afoul of its debt agreements. Both S&P and Moody’s cut its credit outlook to negative. The way the shale boom is being financed is “a perfect setup for investors to lose a lot of money…The model is unsustainable.’” http://energypolicyforum.org/2014/05/22/are-shales-a-bubble/
40 Shakeout Threatens Shale Patch as Frackers Go for Broke
The U.S. shale patch is facing a shakeout as drillers struggle to keep pace with the relentless spending needed to get oil and gas out of the ground.
Shale debt has almost doubled over the last four years while revenue has gained just 5.6 percent, according to a Bloomberg News analysis of 61 shale drillers. A dozen of those wildcatters are spending at least 10 percent of their sales on interest compared with Exxon Mobil Corp.’s 0.1 percent. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-05-26/shakeout-threatens-shale-patch-as-frackers-go-for- broke.html
Letter to Southwestern Energy Shareholders to vote on a proposal re methane emissions http://arjuna-capital.com/sites/default/files/Dear%20Shareholder%20Letter_Methane%20Southwestern %2005%202014.pdf
Executives facing climate denial-related claims could be personally liable - NGOs
Amsterdam, 28 May 2014 – Corporate executives of major fossil fuel companies could face personal liability for funding climate denialism and opposing policies to fight climate change, say NGOs.
Greenpeace International, WWF and the Center for International Environmental Law have written to the executives of large insurance corporations as well as fossil fuel and other carbon major companies [1], seeking clarity on who will pay the bill if such a lawsuit is brought against their directors or officers [2].
Carroll Muffett, President of the Center for International Environmental Law, says from "asbestos to tobacco to oil spills, history shows that those who mislead the public, the market or the government about the risks of their products, or the availability of safer alternatives, can face substantial legal liability, both as companies and as individuals. http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/press/releases/Executives-facing-climate-denial-related- claims-could-be-personally-liable---NGOs/
Irving pulls Enbridge's biggest gas customer out of system
J.D. Irving Ltd. announced this week that its subsidiary Atlantic Wallboard is leaving New Brunswick's struggling natural gas distribution system — a move that wouldn't be allowed elsewhere.
'This causes an earth tremor under that house of cards that represents the gas distribution system in New Brunswick.' - David Coon, Green Party Leader
The company, the largest customer on the Enbridge Gas New Brunswick pipeline system, plans to leave it next year. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/irving-pulls-enbridge-s-biggest-gas-customer-out-of- system-1.2657836
41 Environment and Enjoyment of Property
Voice Of The People Tour to lead into 'Meet the Candidates Q&A' Public Meetings
The Voice of the People Tour town hall meeting for Fredericton South is being held this Wednesday evening, April 30, 2014, at Christ Church Cathedral Memorial Hall, 168 Church Street from 7:00-9:00 pm. The Voice of the People Tour is in 30+ communities across the province, giving citizens their say in building a better energy future for New Brunswick.
The Council of Canadians - Fredericton Chapter will announce to the public at tonight's meeting that it is organizing a ‘Meet the Candidates Q&A’ for the riding of Fredericton South.
This ‘Meet the Candidates Q&A’ meeting will be held Thursday, September 4, 2014 at Christ Church Cathedral Memorial Hall, 168 Church Street from 7:00-9:00 pm.
Invitations have just gone out to the known candidates David Coon (Green Party), Kelly Lamrock (NDP), and Craig Leonard (PC and the incumbent MLA). The purpose of this meeting is to provide constituents with an opportunity to ask questions of their MLA candidates and to hear their positions on issues which concern constituents. http://nben.ca/en/collaborative-action/news-from-groups/item/617-voice-of-the-people-tour-leads-into- meet-the-candidates-qa-public-meetings
How the Fracking Boom Increases Production of Disposable Plastics
I used to keep a running list of stupid plastic products and gimmicks I had seen or heard about. Like the gizmo that somebody invented to aid in the task of cutting a hot dog into 12 identically-sized pieces. Or disposable Holy Communion cups that come pre-filled with wine, their tops sealed with peel-away foil. Or—my personal favorite—Del Monte’s plastic-wrapped, single-serve banana, which, as Jon Stewart has pointed out, is apparently a product for “people who love bananas, but hate their biodegradability.”
All of these ridiculously unnecessary products testify to just how addicted we’ve become to the presence of throwaway plastics in our everyday lives. Yet weaning ourselves from them may soon be harder than it’s ever been—thanks to the recent boom in shale gas, of all things. http://ecowatch.com/2014/04/29/plastics-industry-fracking-boom/
Cheap, Abundant Shale Gas Won’t Significantly Cut U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The rapid expansion of shale gas production in the U.S. has triggered a polarizing debate: Environmentalists charge that methane leaks could make shale gas a higher carbon emitter than coal, while some industry experts and the Obama Administration claim that cheap shale gas will help cut emissions, even in the absence of policies that constrain carbon release. A new study aiming to settle that debate finds that abundant shale gas by itself will neither slow nor accelerate the current rate of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions (Environ. Sci. Technol. 2014, DOI: 10.1021/es4046154). http://cen.acs.org/articles/92/web/2014/05/Cheap-Abundant-Shale-Gas-Wont.html http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/es4046154?source=cen
42 Moyers and Company - Time to Get Real on Climate Change Daviz Suzuki Embedded video
This week, as the White House issued a landmark report detailing the frightening affects of global warming on our country and President Obama took to the airwaves to drive home that message, Bill Moyers talks with a scientist who has sounded the alarm for decades.
For nearly 35 years, David Suzuki has brought science into the homes of millions on the Canadian television series, The Nature of Things. He has become a godfather of the environmental movement, and in a poll of his fellow Canadians last fall he was named that country’s most admired figure.
Nonetheless, his outspoken views on climate change and the government’s collusion with the petrochemical industry in developing Canada’s oil-rich tar sands have made him the target of relentless attacks from his nation’s prime minister, corporations and right-wing ideologues. http://billmoyers.com/episode/full-show-time-to-get-real-on-climate-change/
Proterra Electric Bus Drives Record 700 Miles In A Day
The battle of the electric buses is heating up, and the latest “win” goes Team Proterra, covering 700 miles of driving in 24 hours, a new record. This follows BYD’s own record-setting run of over 200 miles between charges, with both bus companies showing considerable strength in what could become a huge market. http://gas2.org/2014/05/12/proterra-electric-bus-drives-record-700-miles-day/
We're Living in the Age of the "Terrarist"
Journalist Tom Englehart wrote an incisive essay in the investigative journalism magazine, Mother Jones, in May 2013 in which he noted that there are words like genocide for the destruction of a racial or ethnic group. Ecocide describes the destruction of the environment. But, he notes, there isn't a word for the ruin of the Earth and suggests "terracide" from the Latin word for earth.
Englehart identifies the CEOs of energy giants such as Exxon, BP and Shell as "terrarists." "You can take one thing for granted: not a single terrarist will ever go to jail, and yet they certainly knew what they were doing. You're the one who's going to pay, especially your children and grandchildren."
"If the oil execs aren't terrarists, then who is? And if that doesn't make the big energy companies criminal enterprises, then how would you define that term? To destroy our planet with malice aforethought, with only the most immediate profits on the brain, with only your own comfort and well- being (and those of your shareholders) in mind: Isn't that the ultimate crime? Isn't that terracide?" http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/capt-trevor-greene/environmental-destruction_b_5320811.html? just_reloaded=1
Moyers & Company - Full Show: The War on Climate Scientists Embedded video
Climate change is increasingly making mainstream media headlines and this week was no exception.
43 On Tuesday, scientists said that the long-feared collapse of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet has begun, kicking off what they believe will be a centuries-long, irreversible process that could raise sea levels by as much as 15 feet.
News reports like this show that climate change is serious, but corporations and even some governments seem recklessly determined to minimize or deny the reality of global warming, as well as undermine the authority of scientists.
In the second part of his conversation with Bill, Canadian scientist and environmental activist David Suzuki says killing the messenger is a 50-year-0ld strategy ripped straight from big tobacco’s playbook.
“This is a very effective thing that we know has been done by the tobacco industry [and] it’s being done by the fossil fuel industry… You attack a person on the basis of their trustworthiness, their ulterior motives, anything to get away from dealing with the issues” http://billmoyers.com/episode/full-show-the-war-on-climate-scientists/
Climate change is upon us and we must act
Global warming is here. It has arrived. And the effects are already devastating
It is often claimed by those who deny the reality of climate change that scientific forecasts about the impact of global warming are far too uncertain to merit taking action. There is no reason to suffer the inconvenience of leaving the planet's fossil fuels unburned when the current analyses of meteorologists, oceanographers and geophysicists will probably turn out to be false alarms, they argue.
Such contention is dangerously false. For a start, scientists' warnings about future weather patterns are certainly not overreactions to the evidence they have gathered. In most cases, observed climate changes – the slump in summer sea ice coverage in the Arctic in recent years is a good example – have turned out to be far more drastic than researchers had originally predicted. Their views of the future – melting icecaps, spreading deserts and acidifying oceans – are cautious evaluations that most probably underestimate the likely impact of global warming. http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/may/18/climate-change-global-warning-calamity- floods-observer-editorial
Years of Living Dangerously Premiere Full Episode
Hollywood celebrities and respected journalists span the globe to explore the issues of climate change and cover intimate stories of human triumph and tragedy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brvhCnYvxQQ
Southwestern Energy Executive Mark Boling Admits Fracking Link to Climate Change
Best known for his company's hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) activity, Southwestern Energy Executive Vice President* Mark Boling admitted his industry has a methane problem on the May 19 episode of Showtime's “Years of Living Dangerously” in a segment titled, “Chasing Methane.”
44 Boling goes toe to toe in the segment with Cornell University Professor Anthony Ingraffea, who co- authored the 2011 paper now best known as the “Cornell Study.”
That study was the first to say that over its entire lifecycle, shale gas production is dirtier than coal due to the greenhouse gas trapping capacity of leaking methane. Numerous studies since then have depicted high leakage rates throughout the production lifecycle. http://www.desmogblog.com/2014/05/19/southwestern-energy-ceo-mark-boling-fracking-climate- change
How Fracking Could Ruin New Brunswick - Hassan Arif
In addition to these environmental and public health concerns, there is also an economic opportunity cost to fracking. The massive industrial operations associated with fracking would fundamentally change the character of New Brunswick's rural and natural landscapes. These landscapes are an attraction for tourism and (potentially) for new residents, as well as a being an important part of our province's identity as a smaller province of pristine natural and rural landscapes.
In a peer-reviewed article for the academic journal Landscape Research, social scientist Elizabeth O'Brien examined public attitudes towards forested landscapes in Vermont, a smaller jurisdiction like New Brunswick, through interviews and focus groups. The results showed that Vermont's forested landscape held important quality of life advantages, for example in being a source of recreational activities such as hiking and skiing among residents from Vermont's largest city, Burlington, who were originally from out of state. http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/hassan-arif/fracking-new-brunswick_b_2231071.html?just_reloaded=1
A question of value: What do trees and forests mean to people in Vermont? - Elizabeth O'Brien http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01426390600783335?journalCode=clar20
Sustainable Economic Development in New Brunswick Hassan Arif re talk in Taymouth
Last Wednesday I gave a talk in Taymouth, the first in a speakers series on charting a sustainable course for economic development in New Brunswick.
Taymouth is a community about a half-hour drive north of Fredericton, during the Question and Answer session of my talk, I saw people - from Taymouth and nearby communities - who were very engaged in their community, concerned about the future of their communities and of the province. Many were entrepreneurs, promoting local foods and crafts. http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/hassan-arif/sustainable-economic-deve_1_b_2803261.html
Shale gas isn't an economic solution, says group re Taymouth Speaker Series
The New Brunswick government must look for alternatives to heavy industry — particularly the controversial shale gas industry — for its future economic development, according to a community group.
45 Residents of Taymouth, near Fredericton, have organized a series of speakers to talk discuss other industries that could spark economic growth.
About 30 people attended the first of five meetings on Wednesday night.
Many in Taymouth are opposed to shale gas development, saying it's time the New Brunswick government looked beyond the controversial industry for economic growth. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/shale-gas-isn-t-an-economic-solution-says-group- 1.1334653
Albertans are Ready for Stronger Emissions Regulations. Will They Get Them?
A new Ipsos Reid poll released today shows 76 per cent of Albertans are in favour of stronger greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions regulations for industrial facilities.
The federal government has faced scrutiny for failing to release GHG performance regulations for the oil and gas sector for several years. Alberta’s existing rules, the Specified Gas Emitters Regulation (SGER), are set to expire on September 1, 2014.
Environment Canada’s most recent emissions report, released in October 2013, shows Canada’s current measures are inadequate for reaching our emissions reductions targets. http://desmog.ca/2014/05/23/albertans-are-ready-stronger-emissions-regulations-will-they-get-them
You have to see it to believe it: What it's like to have fracking in your backyard Embedded video
Ed Wade's property straddles the Wetzel and Marsh county lines in rural West Virginia and it has a conventional gas well on it. "You could cover the whole [well] pad with three pickups," said Wade. And West Virginia has lots of conventional wells - more than 50,000 at last count. West Virginians are so well acquainted with gas drilling that when companies began using high-volume horizontal hydraulic fracturing in 2006 to access areas of the Marcellus Shale that underlie the state, most residents and regulators were unprepared for the massive footprint of the operations and the impact on their communities.
When it comes to a conventional well and a Marcellus well, "There is no comparison, none whatsoever," said Wade, who works with the Wetzel County Action Group. "You live in the country for a reason and it just takes that and turns it upside down. You know how they preach all the time that natural gas burns cleaner than coal; well, it may burn cleaner than coal, but it's a hell of a lot dirtier to extract." http://www.sott.net/article/265467-You-have-to-see-it-to-believe-it-What-its-like-to-have-fracking-in- your-backyard http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfYeRr6gIAA&feature=player_embedded
46 We Are The People We've Been Waiting For Embedded video
The world is facing huge challenges and they're growing daily in severity, in scale and in complexity. It's no exaggeration to say that they're not going to go away. Indeed they will get worse unless we can start to find solutions and find them soon. If we're going to survive we desperately need the next generations to be smarter, more adaptable and better prepared than any that have gone before.
Our only chance is to improve the way we teach our young. To equip young people with the skills and attitudes that might steer this world of ours to a far safer place than at present looks likely. The question is... is that what our current education system does? What we have is a system that's shaped by historical forces, but they're now almost totally bankrupt as ideas for education of the 21st century and we're betraying most of our children. http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/people-waiting/ http://vimeo.com/8311189
Film Exposes Harsh Reality of Living Amid North Dakota’s Oil Boom Embedded video
North Dakota is the fastest growing state in the U.S., but a recent video exposes why some will want to stay away from the Great Plains state.
The Dakota Resource Council’s (DRC) short film, This Is Our Country: Living with the Wild West Oil Boom, shows how North Dakota rose to become the No. 2 oil producer in the nation behind Texas and the impact that ascension has had on residents. http://ecowatch.com/2014/03/12/film-north-dakotas-oil-boom/ http://vimeo.com/82246373
Noam Chomsky: Survival past the 21st century is dependent on radical policy change Embedded video
Speaking in a talk at the UK’s Durham University, Chomsky said: “It’s imperative to sweep away the ideological clouds, face honesty and realistically the question of how policy decisions are made in our societies and what we can do to alter them before it’s too late.
“In the moral calculus of contemporary Anglo-American state capitalism, profits and bonuses in the next quarter greatly outweigh concerns for one’s grandchildren.
“While much remains uncertain, we can assure ourselves with fair confidence that future generations will not forgive us for our silence and our apathy.” http://www.factor-tech.com/connected-world/noam-chomsky-survival-past-the-21st-century-is- dependent-on-radical-policy-change/ http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=wJtfWZGxnGI
47 Government, Meetings, News, and Letters
Craig Leonard's sister tied to aboriginal energy firm
Energy Minister Craig Leonard denies any conflict of interest after Liberal questions
The Alward government’s main aboriginal negotiating partner on shale gas is employing two consultants with connections to Premier David Alward and his top cabinet minister responsible for shale development.
Angie Leonard, the sister of Energy and Mines Minister Craig Leonard, is working as an economic development adviser to the Assembly of First Nations Chiefs in New Brunswick.
And Stewart Paul, a lawyer and former chief of Tobique First Nation, once worked closely with Alward when Alward was a federal government employee. Paul holds the title of Assembly "ambassador" and is giving the assembly legal advice in its bilateral negotiating process with the Alward government.
Both are also partners in a company whose services include lobbying governments. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/craig-leonard-s-sister-tied-to-aboriginal-energy-firm- 1.2621799
Urban drilling for oil and gas raises new questions in Alberta
Goldenkey Oil Inc.’s plan was to drill three exploratory oil wells in a farmer’s field in Southern Alberta – something that used to be a straightforward undertaking in a province that relies on underground resources for its economic well-being.
But in this case, the field sits within the city limits of fast-growing Lethbridge, home to 90,000 people. The land is destined to become a new subdivision and is less than a kilometre from existing houses. And the downwind homeowners were furious about the planned wells, given the possibility for more drilling, noise, traffic and pollution, not to mention a drop in property values.
Last week, after two years of sustained opposition from city council, local businesses and residents – along with the likelihood of a protracted public hearing and the possibility of new provincial rules governing such projects – Goldenkey dropped its plan to drill the wells. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/industry-news/energy-and-resources/alberta- community-takes-a-dig-at-urban-drilling/article18454202/
New poll reveals that Government faces voter backlash over ‘under-house fracking bill’ UK
A YouGov poll, commissioned by Greenpeace, reveals that 74% of British people believe that fracking companies should have to get permission from residents before drilling under their homes or land. This includes almost three quarters of potential Tory (73%) and Lib Dem (70%) voters, 80% of Labour and 77% of Ukip potential voters. In fact, just 13% of respondents said energy firms should not be required to have the owner’s consent. The remaining 13% were ‘don’t knows’.
48 The news, last month, that the government is determined to strip home owners and tenants of their legal right to deny permission to companies that want to frack directly underneath their property, was widely opposed on the likes of social media. It is another blatant example of this government wanting to strip away our rights by changing existing laws in order to make it easier for the shale gas companies to get fracking. http://stopfyldefracking.org.uk/latest-news/new-poll-reveals-that-government-faces-voter-backlash-over- under-house-fracking-bill/
Thousands of oil and gas wells left unchecked by government inspectors
WASHINGTON — The government has failed to inspect thousands of oil and gas wells it considers potentially high risks for water contamination and other environmental damage, congressional investigators say.
Investigators said weak control by the Interior Department’s Bureau of Land Management resulted from policies based on outdated science and from incomplete monitoring data.
The bureau has become a symbol of federal overreach to industry groups opposed to government regulations related to oil and gas drilling. Environmental groups say the Obama administration needs to do more to guard against environmental damage. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/thousands-oil-gas-wells-left-unchecked-government-inspectors/
UN Report Backs First Nations Against Pipeline Megaprojects
A report by James Anaya, the UN's special rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, said there is a "crisis" in Canada and that the level of mistrust has perhaps worsened in the past decade.
Anaya put the two oil sands pipeline megaprojects Enbridge's to Kitimat and Kinder Morgan Canada's to Burnaby at the top of a long list of economic proposals that have drawn bitter complaints from aboriginal leaders Anaya met during a fact-finding mission last year. http://insideclimatenews.org/breaking-news/20140512/un-report-backs-first-nations-against-pipeline- megaprojects
Germany’s Environment Minister: Make Fracking Illegal
Germany’s environment minister has called for the controversial gas extraction technique known as “fracking” to be made illegal. Her comments came ahead of an emergency energy summit. Ahead of the meeting, Environment Minister Barbara Hendricks said Germany should never consider turning to fracking as a solution for its energy needs, despite the success of the technology in the USA.
She added that not only would a successful commercial fracking industry in Germany be “wishful thinking” but that “a rethinking of our energy policy should take us away from fossil fuels – no matter where they come from.” http://www.popularresistance.org/germanys-environment-minister-make-fracking-illegal/
49 Green Routes: Can we talk about our environmental woes in a way that actually leads us to fix them?
If there's a way to discuss environmental problems and actually get everyone busy fixing them, we haven't found it. Climate change, deforestation, depleted fisheries, toxic dumping — despite years of talk, and floods of text and images, all these woes and more proceed apace. Too few of our leaders lead, and too many of us remain apathetic, or even unconvinced the problems are real.
Creative Nonfiction's palette is much broader. Seaman's lead interview with author and New Yorker journalist Elizabeth Kolbert sets the tone. "[S]ustainability is not recyling, nor bringing cloth bags to the supermarket," say Kolbert, whose new book is The Sixth Extinction. "It is fundamentally rethinking everything that we do, and it is living very, very differently."
When I asked Farquharson, after her talk, whether voluntary actions can really solve global problems like climate change, she acknowledged that "We need much bigger changes on a policy level" and that political activism is necessary to make such change happen. http://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/green-routes-can-we-talk-about-our-environmental-woes-in-a- way-that-actually-leads-us-to-fix-them/Content?oid=1744539
Metgasco's Bentley gas drilling suspended, referred to ICAC AU
Resources company Metgasco's plans to drill for gas at Bentley on the NSW north coast are in disarray after state energy minister Anthony Roberts referred the project to the Independent Commission Against Corruption and announced its licence would be suspended due to insufficient community consultation.
Mr Roberts announced the decision on Thursday morning, just days before police were due to be called in to break up a long-standing protest on the site at Bentley, near Lismore.
Up to 800 police were due to enter the protest camp as early as Monday to disperse thousands of people who have been blockading the site for several weeks. http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/metgascos-bentley-gas-drilling-suspended-referred-to-icac-20140515- zrd2w.html
The Great Resource Giveaway Part 3
Don Bowser, an international specialist in transparency compares and contrasts New Brunswick with the corruption in Tajikistan, and exposes many similarities between the two. http://trinitytoday.ca/2014/05/great-resource-giveaway-part-3/ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjHybFQjAvk&feature=player_embedded
Don Bowser asks the question: Who is running the province? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9Z9nI1DKoE&feature=player_embedded
50 IMF Pegs Canada's Fossil Fuel Subsidies at $34 Billion
In such giveaways we're a world leader, a fact rarely noted when federal budgets are debated.
While Canada slashes budgets for research, education and public broadcasting, there is one part of our economy that enjoys remarkable support from the Canadian taxpayer: the energy sector.
The International Monetary Fund estimates that energy subsidies in Canada top an incredible $34 billion each year in direct support to producers and uncollected tax on externalized costs.
These figures are found in the appendix of a major report released last year estimating global energy subsidies at almost $2 trillion. The report estimated that eliminating the subsidies would reduce global carbon emissions by 13 per cent. The stunning statistics specific to this country remain almost completely unreported in Canadian media. http://thetyee.ca/Opinion/2014/05/15/Canadas-34-Billion-Fossil-Fuel-Subsidies/
The report http://www.imf.org/external/np/pp/eng/2013/012813.pdf
Gaz de schiste: Richibucto est inquiète pour son eau potable Shale Gas: Richibucto is concerned for its drinking water
Gaz de schiste: Richibucto est inquiète pour son eau potable
RICHIBUCTO – Roger Doiron est inquiet. Le maire de Richibucto a appris que SWN compte forer un puits à moins de 2 km de la source d’eau potable qui alimente les trois puits de sa municipalité.
«Nous tenons à vous manifester notre grande inquiétude par rapport à ce forage», a écrit M. Doiron dans une lettre adressée au ministre de l’Énergie et des Mines Graig Leonard dont l’Acadie Nouvelle a obtenu copie.
Richibucto s’alimente en eau grâce à un champ de captage et trois puits artésiens à Saint-Charles. La seule source d’eau de la municipalité est donc la nappe phréatique.
«Nous tenons à vous faire remarquer que s’il arrivait un accident, la Ville n’a aucune autre option pour offrir de l’eau potable à ses citoyens», a écrit le maire.
M. Doiron est toujours sans réponse à sa lettre datée du 6 mai et envoyée en copie conforme au premier ministre du Nouveau-Brunswick, David Alward, et au directeur de SWN Resources Canada, Chad Peters. Bing translation
RICHIBUCTO - Roger Doiron is concerned. The Mayor of Richibucto told that SWN intends to drill a well within 2 km of the drinking water source that feeds the three wells of its municipality.
"We want to express our great concern about this drilling, Mr. Doiron wrote in a letter to the Minister of energy and the Graig Leonard Mines including the l'Acadie Nouvelle obtained copy.
51 Richibucto feeds water through a field of capture and three artesian wells at Saint-Charles. The only source of water for the municipality is therefore the groundwater.
"We would like to point out that if an accident happened, the city has no other option to provide drinking water to its citizens," wrote the Mayor.
Mr. Doiron is still no reply to his letter dated 6 May and sent copy to the Premier of New Brunswick, David Alward, and SWN Resources Canada Director, Chad Peters. http://www.acadienouvelle.com/actualites/2014/05/16/gaz-schiste-richibucto-inquiete-eau-potable/? pgnc=1
Secret Trade Memo Calls For More Fracking and Offshore Drilling
The European Union is pressing the Obama administration to expand U.S. fracking, offshore oil drilling and natural gas exploration under the terms of a secret negotiation text obtained by The Huffington Post.
The controversial document is an early draft of energy policies that EU negotiators hope to see adopted under the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) trade deal, which is currently being negotiated. The text was shared with American officials in September. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative declined to comment on the document. http://www.popularresistance.org/secret-trade-memo-calls-for-more-fracking-and-offshore-drilling/
The paper http://big.assets.huffingtonpost.com/TTIPNonPaper.pdf
‘A Government Of Thugs’: How Canada Treats Environmental Journalists
I attempted to enter Canada on a Tuesday, flying into the small airport at Fort McMurray, Alberta, waiting for my turn to pass through customs.
“What brings you to Fort Mac?” a Canada Border Services Agency official asked. “I’m a journalist,” I said. “I’m here to see the tar sands.” He pointed me to border security. Another official, a tall, clean- shaven man, asked the same question. “I’m here to see the tar sands.” he frowned. “You mean oil sands. We don’t have tar here.”
“We might have to send you back to the States,” the official said, after asking if I had working papers. I didn’t, so I phoned a colleague staying at a nearby hotel. “This guy at border security says I need working papers or something and that he’s gonna send me back to the States,” I said.
“Why did you say I was going to send you back to the States? I didn’t say that,” the official said after I hung up. “See, you’re already misrepresenting what’s going on here.”
My interrogation included details about where I was going, who I was meeting with, why I wanted to see the sands. The official had me open my bag so he could see if I was carrying cameras. Then he let me
52 into Canada. “Because I’m being nice,” he said, and gave me a certificate stating that I must leave the country by Friday. http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/05/23/3428984/canada-war-on-environmentalists/
Jesse Ventura on Keystone: Stop the Koch Brother's war on renewable energy Embedded video
"Off the Grid" producer Alex Logan asked Ventura is he thought the United States wasn't doing enough, the governor let his feelings be known.
"Oh Absolutely we're not doing enough. You know, all we're looking at doing is building the Keystone pipeline right now which means more of that type of fuel being used. If we don't wean ourselves off burnable fuel and keep pumping this, as well as the natural gas and the methane into our atmosphere, it's not a good thing for people to come after us. I might survive but I'm not so sure about you Alex."”
Ventura continued and noted that while moving towards renewable energy is the right way to go, it won't be easy because of the amount of money that big oil is throwing around in Washington. http://www.examiner.com/article/jesse-ventura-on-keystone-stop-the-koch-brother-s-war-on-renewable- energy?CID=examiner_alerts_article
Comments to Govt of NB about their collusion with SWN’s “outlaw” applications to build well pads and access roads by Ann Pohl
Dear Hon. Danny Soucy, Minister of Environment and Local Government:
On behalf of myself and a large majority of community members in Kent County, I am writing to comment on all four current “Phased Review process” EIA applications by SWN Resources Canada.
All four have the same project proposal numbers from the proponent: #121810275. I have identified them here by the Government of New Brunswick application numbers.
All four are being addressed simultaneously in pages 1 to 8 below, as these comments deal with issues of your government’s process, which I believe comes before the specifics of their content.
If the process is unfair, opaque and misleading, which I contend it is, then the details are almost irrelevant. In the latter portion of this document, I briefly address a few major specific points regarding the four sites. http://upriverenvironmentwatch.com/2014/05/27/my-comments-to-govt-of-nb-about-their-collusion-with- swns-outlaw-applications-to-build-well-pads-and-access-roads/
This Canadian Value Investor is Quietly Investing in Natural Gas
The team at Brookfield Asset Management (TSX: BAM.A) (NYSE: BAM) is one of the best when it comes to finding value where no one else sees it. Brookfield has been known to buy out of favour
53 assets, refocus the business and then, hold it through times of trouble. It will only sell when prices recover. It’s a process that has created amazing value for its investors.
Brookfield’s latest target is natural gas. The commodity is currently out of favour due to America’s shale gas and oil boom. http://www.fool.ca/2013/12/05/this-canadian-value-investor-is-quietly-investing-in-natural-gas/
See also https://monctonfreepress.ca/post/13706
Leaked Memo Reveals TTIP Would Export Fracked Gas Restriction-Free From U.S. to EU
But this week, an EU negotiation position “on raw materials and energy” was leaked to The Huffington Post. The text is nothing short of a wish list of demands from Big Oil and Gas, which will lock in any of their investments in fossil fuels in general, and shale gas and fracking in particular.
Article C of the document provides that no restrictions should apply to the “exports of energy goods” between the transatlantic trade partners. Any request, for example, for an export license to ship natural gas from the U.S. to the EU would be approved “automatically,” no questions asked—even if this would lead to environmental damage from widespread use of fracking, increased gas prices for U.S. consumers, increased import dependency, and so on. http://ecowatch.com/2014/05/22/leaked-memo-ttip-export-fracked-gas-us-eu/
Permit Allows Fracking Waste Storage in Backyards, Community Fights Back
Nine East Smithfield Township natural gas leaseholders have banded together to fight a new permit from the state Department of Environmental Protection that allows more than 700,000 gallons of toxic waste to be stored in backyards for years.
“The Department of Environmental Protection’s issuance of the permit was an arbitrary, unreasonable, contrary to law and the issuance was made without adequate investigation and disclosure of facts to the people,” Stedge said during a township meeting in May. http://www.publicherald.org/archives/19166/investigative-reports/energy-investigations/fracking-energy- investigations/
EPA Officials Accept a Million Dollars a Year in Travel Expenses from Private Companies and Nonprofits
Federal environmental regulators have taken trips worth more than $1 million a year that were paid for by energy companies and other interests, raising potential conflict-of-interest concerns.
A review of disclosure records by Greenwire revealed officials at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) accepted more than $4.5 million over the past four years from businesses and other
54 entities to cover travel, hotels, meals and other benefits. The 3,369 trips since 2010 involved attending conferences and meetings, training sessions and other matters. http://www.allgov.com/news/where-is-the-money-going/epa-officials-accept-a-million-dollars-a-year-in- travel-expenses-from-private-companies-and-nonprofits?news=853269
6 Things That Should Never Be Privatized
1. Running Water 2. Prisons 3. Fire Departments 4. Social Security 5. Medicare 6. Gas and Electric http://www.alternet.org/economy/6-things-should-never-be-privatized? paging=off¤t_page=1#bookmark
Quebec to survey Anticosti Island this summer
Natural Resources Minister Pierre Arcand said Friday about 15 surveys will be conducted on the island's soil this summer.
More extensive work, including the drilling of three wells, will be done in the summer of 2015 if the results of a strategic environmental assessment on Anticosti Island are favourable.
The activity is in conformity with a deal struck by the previous Parti Quebecois government with exploration companies Petrolia (TSX:PEA) and Corridor Resources Inc. (TSX:CDH).
Arcand also announced a strategic assessment will be carried out on hydrocarbons, including shale gas. http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/quebec-to-survey-anticosti-island-this-summer-1.1846529
55 New Brunswick News
More contradictory police testimony as the trial of Germaine Breau and Aaron Francis continues
MONCTON, NEW BRUNSWICK – The Crown continued it's veritable parade of RCMP witnesses today on this, the sixth scheduled day of trial for Germaine 'Junior' Breau and Aaron Francis, the two members of the Mi'kmaq Warriors Society who have been incarcerated since the vicious police raid of the anti-shale gas encampment on October 17th, along highway 134 near Rexton, New Brunswick.
Today the Crown brought forward Corporal Al Comeaux, a member of the RCMP for over 24 years, as well as a member of the Emergency Response Team (ERT) for over 14 years.
Comeaux, it what has now become a common occurrence at 'Courtroom 8' in the Moncton provincial courthouse, contradicted the testimony of four earlier officers who claimed that they had seen Germaine Breau point a firearm at them – one of them twice.
Comeaux, upon watching a police video of the events of October 17th today in court, stopped the video at the attempted second arrest, saying: “That would have been an occasion where the rifle might have been raised to 45 degrees or so.”
This is important, because there were not any number of occasions where “the rifle might have been raised to 45 degrees or so”, suggesting that the rifle itself might still have been raised and pointed directly at a police officer. Indeed it is only alleged to have happened twice, and the occasion that Comeaux suggests it “might have been raised to 45 degrees or so” accounts for four out of the five charges Breau is facing in relation to pointing a firearm.
In fact Comeaux, with an M-16 trained on Breau and with the license to kill him if he so desired (read: if he felt members of the Tactical Teams he was charged with protecting were in jeopardy), corroborates earlier testimony of another ERT member – Constable Frenette. Frenette earlier testified that he also had an M-16 trained on Breau, this one on his backside, and came very close to shooting Breau as he shouldered the rifle – but did not point it.
We now have two ERT members, with two different angles of fire trained on Breau, testifying that he raised the rifle to 45 degrees. Comeaux, in noting that Breau raised the rifle to 45 degrees in the second attempt of C Division to arrest Bernard, would seemingly negate four of the five charges of pointing a rifle at a peace officer.
It also brings into doubt Corporel Lacroix's ability to determine if a rifle was indeed pointed at him at all in an understandably tense and high energy stand-off situation. http://halifax.mediacoop.ca/story/matter-degrees/30581
Fracking's effect on water Embedded video Deborah Carr and Rexton
A new report commissioned by Environment Canada says there's little information about the effects of shale gas development on the environment http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Canada/ID/2453843124/
56 Report about natural gas fracking causes ripples in New Brunswick
Stephanie Merrill of the Conservation Council of New Brunswick said the report by the Council of Canadian Academies highlights a lot of the concerns her group has about fracking, especially risks to groundwater.
"Decision-makers have been consistent in labelling that concern as misinformed and alarmist, and that's really concerning," she said Thursday.
"It's obviously nice to see that those concerns are validated by such a high level panel of experts."
Provincial Green party Leader David Coon goes further, saying the industry shouldn't be allowed to proceed at all.
"We don't believe this can be done safely in any way," he said.
New Brunswick Energy Minister Craig Leonard said the province is proceeding slowly with strong regulations, adding that a moratorium wouldn't serve any purpose.
But Liberal Opposition Leader Brian Gallant said there should be a moratorium on fracking, not on science and research. http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/the-canadian-press/140501/report-about-natural-gas- fracking-causes-ripples-new-brunswi
CBC Information Morning - Shale Gas and Clean Energy
The Voice of the People tour makes a stop in Fredericton. Terry Seguin talks to Mark D'Arcy to find out how the tour is going. http://www.cbc.ca/player/Radio/Local+Shows/Maritimes/Information+Morning+- +Fredericton/ID/2453730135/
Information Morning - Information Morning Fracking Follow
A new federal report says economic benefits of shale gas must be weighed against possible adverse impacts on people and ecosystems, and water is a big concern. Terry Seguin talks to Energy Minister Craig Leonard. http://www.cbc.ca/informationmorningfredericton/2014/05/05/fracking-follow/
Information Morning - "Told you so"
A spokesperson for the New Brunswick Anti-Shale Gas Alliance talks about last week's report on the need for more studies on fracking. http://www.cbc.ca/informationmorningmoncton/2014/05/05/told-you-so/
57 New homeowners concerned about shale gas drilling in community
A young New Brunswick couple says they are starting to regret purchasing their first home.
Starting this summer, SWN Resources will be surveying and preparing land to drill exploratory shale gas wells in 2015 in four New Brunswick communities – Pangburn, Galloway, Bronson Settlement and Saint-Charles.
Samuel and Cecilia Gallant purchased their Saint-Charles home in October but only recently learned that SWN Resources will be drilling for shale gas nearby.
They have a two-year-old son and their second child is due later month. They say they fear for their family’s health and say they probably couldn’t sell their home if they wanted to.
“We don’t have enough information out here. It’s health and it’s our property,” says Cecilia Gallant. “It’s our water. We have really good drinking water. Is it going to go bad?” http://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/new-homeowners-concerned-about-shale-gas-drilling-in-community- 1.1807471
Harry Forestell talks with Stephanie Merrill; Conservation Council of New Brunswick about fracking in NB http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Canada/NB/Newsmaker+Interviews/ID/2335708071/
'Stall' shale gas industry, top public health officer says
Dr. Eilish Cleary avoids calling for a moratorium because of its political sensitivities
The New Brunswick government should stall the development of the shale gas industry and wait for more research to be completed, according to the province’s chief medical officer of health.
Dr. Eilish Cleary told CBC’s Information Morning Fredericton that she believes it is important to stall the industry in light of a new report
The report, which was commissioned by Environment Canada and released last week, said there is little information about the effects of shale gas development on the environment. The report by a panel of 14 international experts concludes "data about potential environmental impacts are neither sufficient nor conclusive."
Cleary said she feels the report “reflects industry in a pretty negative light.”
"If I am asked what I think is sensible, I think that yes, we should wait and see and wait until we are really ready and had time to digest, we’ve put the pieces in place to do it properly and then see. We will know a lot more and we can learn from mistakes that other people are making." http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/stall-shale-gas-industry-top-public-health-officer-says- 1.2633369
58 Information Morning Shale gas concerns Dr. Eilish Cleary
Dr. Eilish Cleary, the chief medical officer of health in New Brunswick, discusses a new report into the development of the shale gas industry in Canada http://www.cbc.ca/player/Radio/Local+Shows/Maritimes/ID/2454682037/
Energy Minister Dismisses Risk Of Shale Gas To Groundwater In Province
Debate over the safety of shale gas continuing in the Legislature fuelled by last week's report by a panel of 14 scientists.
Provincial Liberal leader Brian Gallant says the drilling will be taking place closer to where people live in New Brunswick as opposed to what's happening out west and that makes it riskier.
Provincial Energy Minister Craig Leonard is rejecting Gallant's call for a moratorium, saying the government is doing what the scientists are recommending and that's a slow and safe approach to shale gas,
Leonard says the government has been told by geologists that because of the rock formation in the province, the risk to groundwater is non-existent. http://country94news.blogspot.ca/2014/05/energy-minister-dismisses-risk-of-shale.html
SWN notifies Kent County of exploratory drilling
Maurice Albert and his wife say they were notified by SWN last week.
Not only is their home nearby, the Alberts also own land next to the well site.
“We're planning on passing down our land to our kids. What are they going to have to deal with? The resources that we have, the clean water, the clean air. It's a beautiful place to live and I'd hate to see it be ruined,” said Kim.
SWN says it’s trying to reassure residents that won't happen. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/swn-notifies-kent-county-of-exploratory-drilling- 1.2635200
Information MOrning - Shale Gas Contracts
Terry Seguin talks to Anne Bertrand about why the Access to Information and Privacy commissioner wants shale gas contracts made public. http://www.cbc.ca/player/AudioMobile/Information%2BMorning%2B-%2BFredericton/ID/2453732458/
59 Judge orders shale gas contracts to be made public
Only name of consultants and per diems should be redacted, Justice Judy Clendening rules
Green Party Leader David Coon had appealed to the court after his Right to Information request to the Department of Finance for copies of its contracts with consultants commissioned to study shale gas royalties was rejected. http://www.cbc.ca/m/touch/canada/newbrunswick/story/1.2635969
Penobsquis - The industrialization of a rural community
Chris Bell, a citizen of Penobsquis, talks about how life has changed in her community after the Potash Company of Saskatchewan (PCS) and Corridor Resources devastated the lives of a significant number of people. Loss of water, subsidence, pollution, flaring, noise, etc.. came to people who had little ability to resist and bring justice. The government has taken the side of industry. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7dIud8FQ3U
Red Dot Poll Results for Rexton NB and area May 14 2014
Two hundred and more enthusiastic and engaged people from the Rexton and Kent County areas attended a standing room-only Voice of the People Tour stop at the Bonar Law High School Wednesday evening.
Aboriginal, Acadian, English and other friends and neighbours spoke their minds on the issue of fracking and how they choose to take a stand in rejecting the shale gas industry while pursuing viable and locally-based solutions and alternatives to our 'Dig it Up, Cut it Down, Ship it Out' economy. http://nben.ca/en/collaborative-action/news-from-groups/item/628-voice-of-the-people-tour-red-dot-poll- results-for-rexton-nb-and-area-may-14-2014
The Crown Found Liable For Damages Flowing From First Nations Blockade
Justice Saunders found the Province of British Columbia liable for $1.75 million in damages to Moulton Contracting Ltd. ("Moulton") for breach of both an implied contractual term and an implied representation associated with Timber Sale Licences ("TSLs") the Ministry of Forests ("MoF") had issued to Moulton. Moulton had lost the opportunity to secure other logging contracts when George Behn and members of his family (the "Behns"), members of the Fort Nelson First Nation ("FNFN"), blockaded access to Moulton's cut blocks.
Justice Saunders found that given the Crown must know that conflict could arise if consultation was not sufficient, for business efficacy, the TSLs must have contained two implied terms: a.That the Province had engaged in all necessary consultation with affected First Nations, and had discharged its duty to consult;
60 b.That the Province was not aware of any First Nations expressing dissatisfaction with the consultation undertaken by the Province, save as the Province had disclosed to Moulton Contracting (para. 291). http://www.mondaq.com/canada/x/315554/trials+appeals+compensation/The+Crown+Found+Liable+F or+Damages+Flowing+From+First+Nations+Blockade
Rumour of new LNG terminal creates buzz in Saint John
There was a lot of buzz along the Bay of Fundy this week after foreign news reported another big project is being considered for the Saint John area.
There is speculation another LNG terminal could be constructed. The project would cost between $2 billion and $4 billion. http://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/mobile/rumour-of-new-lng-terminal-creates-buzz-in-saint-john-1.1833900
Erin Steuter. The harm of media monopoly.
Prof Erin Steuter explains the harm caused by the Irvings... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gu3ogIAk5ow&feature=player_embedded
CTV Atlantic: Homeowners concerned about shale gas
Samuel and Cecilia Gallant purchased their Saint-Charles home in October but only recently learned that SWN Resources will be drilling http://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=357940
Application of Propane Based Hydraulic Fracturing in the McCully Gas Field http://ddata.over- blog.com/xxxyyy/4/22/27/75/Application_of_Propane_Based_Hydraulic_Fracturing_in_the_Mc.pdf
60 unionized workers protest at McCully field - 2007
Union members who had workedat the McCully gas field near Sussex, N.B.,held a protest thereon Thursday morning, saying owner Corridor Resources hadn't livedup to its promises.
Teamster Doras Stennick said he and 60 other unionized workers who workedon thegas fieldfrom October 2006 to June 2007expected tobe called back to work in July to do "cleanup" —the landscaping to restore land to the way it was before gas drilling.
"They were told that they were going to be given a couple weeks off to get rested up for cleanup," Stennick said.
61 Instead,when it was time to go back to work, they found out Corridor Resources had hired a non- unionized company from Sussex to do the job, Stennick said. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/60-unionized-workers-protest-at-mccully-field-1.660909
Military’s counter-intelligence unit monitored Elsipogtog anti-fracking protests: documents
The Canadian military used its counter-intelligence unit to monitor the aftermath of last October’s RCMP raid on a Mi’kmaq Warrior Society-led anti-fracking camp in New Brunswick in preparation for the eventuality the situation went “sideways,” according to internal document obtained by APTN National News.
Senior officers with Joint Task Force Atlantic, which is headquartered in Halifax, were also trying to assess who was leading the protests locally and the reaction protests planned across the country following the Oct. 17, 2013 raid, according to the documents, including email, released under the Access to Information Act.
According to the documents released to APTN National News and previous public comments by the RMCP and the military, no Canadian Forces personnel were involved in the raid. The military did provide the RMCP with space for a staging area at CFB Gagetown and the CF Moncton Detachment. The RCMP also requested the military provide its officers with field box lunches for between 60 to 100 personnel, according to a “Request for Canadian Forces Assistance” form submitted by the RCMP on Oct. 18. http://aptn.ca/news/2014/05/30/militarys-counter-intelligence-unit-monitored-elsipogtog-anti-fracking- protests-documents/
Shale gas protesters continue 3-day march to SWN offices
A group of New Brunswick anti-shale gas protesters reached Cocagne today as they continue their three-day march from Elsipogtog First Nation to Moncton. They plan to hand deliver letters to SWN Resources Canada.
About a dozen people are walking along the shoulder of Highway 11, reports the CBC’s Connell Smith.
The group says it wants SWN to stop shale gas exploration activities in Kent County.
On the way to the SWN offices in Moncton, the group plans to stop at the courthouse, where people will sing and drum to protest the charges against Germain Junior Breau, of Upper Rexton, and Aaron Francis, of Eskasoni, N.S., in connection with the protests last year over seismic testing. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/shale-gas-protesters-continue-3-day-march-to-swn- offices-1.2660741
Protesters march against shale gas Embedded video http://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=373748&binId=1.1145463&playlistPageNum=1
62 Maritime News
Gros Morne oil fracking plan leads UNESCO to seek buffer zone
The international body that made Newfoundland's Gros Morne National Park a world heritage site could strip the designation if the park isn't better protected from oil exploration.
UNESCO, the United Nations' cultural arm, is recommending Canada put in place a buffer zone around the park. The move comes following a so-far failed attempt to use the controversial technique of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, near Gros Morne. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/gros-morne-oil-fracking-plan-leads-unesco-to- seek-buffer-zone-1.2628437
Western Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Area Strategic Environmental Assessment Update Final Report
Prepared by: AMEC Environment & Infrastructure A Division of AMEC Americas Limited 133 Crosbie Road, PO Box 13216 St. John's, Newfoundland & Labrador Canada A1B 4A5 April 2014 http://www.cnlopb.nl.ca/wnlsea2.shtml http://www.cnlopb.nl.ca/pdfs/wnlsea/wnlseaen.pdf
AMEC Environment & Infrastructure
AMEC is a focused supplier of consultancy, engineering and project management services to its customers in the world's oil and gas, mining, clean energy, environment and infrastructure markets. http://www.amec.com/
Newfoundland Petroleum Board gives go ahead to oil and gas exploration in Gulf of St. Lawrence
They look at the release yesterday of a Strategic Environmental Assessment by the Canada- Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board (CNLOPB) as another nail in the Gulf's coffin.
The assessment includes an area in the Gulf known as Old Harry, about 80 kilometers east of the Magdalen Islands and right on the cusp of the territorial boundary between Québec and Newfoundland. The northern tip of Cape Breton is roughly 130 km south of Old Harry.
Old Harry is believed to contain 2 billion barrels of oil, which makes it almost twice the size of the Hibernia oil field. It also holds 7 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.
63 "This is a report that is almost schizophrenic," Gorman tells the Halifax Media Co-op. "The report goes on for hundreds of pages about how sensitive this region is and then it comes up with recommendations that are completely disconnected from the report itself."
Gorman is not surprised.
"You have a Board that has never said no to any project, and you have the largest oil and gas industry service provider in the world writing the report, this process has been a fait accompli since the beginning," says Gorman. http://halifax.mediacoop.ca/story/newfoundland-petroleum-board-gives-go-ahead-oil-an/30621
Nova Scotia’s LNG hopes rest on securing gas supply
The crisis in Ukraine is adding fuel to Nova Scotia’s plans to become a liquefied natural gas export hub, though questions persist about where the developers will get the natural gas to feed their ambitions.
Pieridae Energy Ltd. is pursuing an $8.5-billion (U.S.) plan to build a liquefied natural gas terminal at Goldboro, where Nova Scotia’s offshore gas production is brought ashore. Pieridae has lined up Germany’s E.ON AG, one of Europe’s largest utilities, as a customer for five-million tonnes of gas a year, representing half of the planned 10-million-tonne capacity. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/industry-news/energy-and-resources/nova-scotias- lng-hopes-rest-on-securing-gas-supply/article18502184/
Allowing oil and gas activity off western NL proves offshore board cannot say no to oil industry
The Sierra Club Canada Foundation and Save Our Seas and Shores are condemning the Newfoundland offshore board’s decision to allow the oil and gas industry to gain a toehold in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board released the results of a Strategic Environmental Assessment for the Western Newfoundland May 5th.
“This decision confirms that these offshore boards are not capable of being a truly arms-length independent regulator,” according to Gretchen Fitzgerald, Director of the Atlantic Canada Chapter of Sierra Club. “The consultations performed as part of this assessment were woefully inadequate – and their decision that that they can mitigate oil development in sensitive marine areas with spawning, nurseries and migration happening year around for over 2200 marine species is irresponsible and sets a reckless precedent.”
“I want this alleged regulator to state how they think they can clean up an oil spill under winter ice,” states Mary Gorman of Save Our Seas and Shores Coalition. “ This winter, they couldn’t even get the Newfoundland ferry unstuck in sea ice – how would they deal with a massive oil disaster? Furthermore, they have completely ignored the fact that the Gulf of St Lawrence has counter clockwise currents like a toilet, that only flushes once a year into the Atlantic, leaving months for a spill to wash on the beaches of NS, NB, PEI, NL and QC.” http://www.sierraclub.ca/en/media/release/allowing-oil-and-gas-actvity-western-nl-proves-offshore- board-cannot-say-no-oil-indust#.U2uTcik_coc.facebook
64 An incomprehensible green light to offshore drilling
• This opening to oil and gas exploration in the Gulf of St. Lawrence is hard to understand and rather disappointing given the numerous major aspects clearly pointed out in the report : • Presence of numerous sensitive zones of biological importance; • Presence of many species at risk; • Numerous and important gaps in scientific knowledge of the Gulf; • Great number of stress factors already acting on the Gulf, thus diminishing its capacity to adapt to new stresses; • Importance of human activities (fisheries, tourism, etc.) in the Newfoundland offshore zone, human activities that could be impacted by any accident. http://4oclockwhistlenews.tumblr.com/post/85033367937/an-incomprehensible-green-light-to-offshore- drilling
Protesters: Fracking not worth the risk
Protesters took to the streets of Halifax on Saturday to urge Nova Scotians to take action against fracking in this province.
“What we’re calling for is a permanent ban on fracking,” said Katie Perfitt, spokesperson for the organizers. Perfitt said the rally was organized by local youth from a variety of backgrounds and groups. http://thechronicleherald.ca/metro/1206698-protesters-fracking-not-worth-the-risk
Residents, groups call for independent external review of fracking
On Thursday a coalition of 20 concerned groups called on the provincial government to conduct an independent, science-based public review of hydraulic fracturing before deciding whether or not to allow the controversial method of oil and gas extraction into the province. Organizations comprising the Newfoundland and Labrador Fracking Awareness Network (NL-FAN), from the tourism, environment, health, labour, fishery and other sectors, say the government’s promise of an internal review of fracking is not enough, particularly in light of the glaring discrepancy between recent reports from the Council of Canadian Academies (CCA) and the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board (C-NLOPB). http://theindependent.ca/2014/05/16/residents-groups-call-for-independent-external-review-of-fracking/
Abandoned Hants County oil well not cleaned up after 11 years
Last night, over 70 people attended a community meeting on fracking in Centre Burlington, Hants County. The meeting itself was spearheaded by Kimm Kent. Attendees included members of Glooscap First Nation.
The tipping point that got Kent, a Cogmagun, Hants County resident to organize the community meeting was the surprising information that there was an 11 year old abandoned oil well site in her own
65 community. She asked neighbours where it was, and her family hiked along a back woods road to find it.
When they found it, Kimm's first question was: “Who is responsible for this?”
The excavation and leveling of the wellpad was a substantial undertaking. So would be its restoration to the previously existing state that is explicitly required in the drilling permits granted by the province's Department of Energy.
Eleven years after the abandonment of the well, that has not been done; and, not surprisingly, there is heavy erosion of the filled soil material.
The 2003 drilling was done by Oiltec Resources of Calgary. The land is part of the large Windsor Block Exploration Lease that includes the later wells drilled and fracked in Kennetcook and Noel. That lease was held at the time by Contact Exploration, who are now active in New Brunswick. http://halifax.mediacoop.ca/story/abandoned-hants-county-oil-well-not-cleaned-after/30697
Environmental groups want independent fracking review
Almost two dozen organizations held a news conference Thursday calling on the provincial government to commission an independent review of fracking. NTV’s Don Bradshaw reports. http://ntv.ca/environmental-groups-want-independent-fracking-review/? fb_action_ids=10152031700291610&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=other_multiline&action_obje ct_map=%5B876816482343895%5D&action_type_map=%5B%22og.likes%22%5D&action_ref_map= %5B%5D
Offshore exploration for oil and gas too close to Marine Protected Area
Marine biologists raise alarm about Nova Scotia's latest call for bids
K'JIPUKTUK, HALIFAX - Scientists fear that a recently issued call for bids for offshore oil and gas exploration is too close to the critical habitat of the endangered northern bottlenose whale.
The call for bids encompasses areas directly adjacent to the Sable Gully, a world renowned Marine Protected Area, and also includes parts of the adjacent Shortland and Haldimand canyons 200 kilometres off the coast of Nova Scotia.
"In this particular call for bids, we are near very sensitive areas and around very sensitive species," says Tonya Wimmer, a Halifax-based marine biologist and Species Conservation Manager with the World Wildlife Fund Canada. http://halifax.mediacoop.ca/story/offshore-exploration-oil-and-gas-too-close-marine/30713
66 Treated fracking wastewater has arrived at the Lafarge cement plant
Treated fracking wastewater has arrived at the Lafarge cement plant in Brookfield from Atlantic Industrial Services in Debert to be used as coolant in the cement kiln. Plant Manager Scarth MacDonnell tells our newsroom the province has given approval for a very small percentage of the wastewater being held at AIS to be processed in a test phase.
He says the water is safe, and that every truck that shows up at the plant is tested before it's accepted to ensure it meets all federal and provincial safety standards. MacDonnell says they're running final checks and trials to make sure everything works as planned, with the trials for the pumping system to make sure they can send the wastewater into the existing spray water. http://www.bigdog1009.ca/news/story.aspx?ID=2157744
Abandoned Hants County oil well not cleaned up after 11 years
Last night, over 70 people attended a community meeting on fracking in Centre Burlington, Hants County. The meeting itself was spearheaded by Kimm Kent. Attendees included members of Glooscap First Nation.
The metal holding tank was presumably for mixing drilling muds, and the tailing pond was for discharging the used muds returned up the well during drilling. Drilling muds and the waste water returned tend to be more toxic than fracking waste water, because of the concentrations of the chemicals used. The disposal of both of them is regulated. But what actually happened with those Cogmagun # 1 wastes, and the regulatory oversight of that, is another question that the Department of Energy will have to address.
The tank and the tailing pond with the decrepit liner that has cattails growing through it are both full of rainwater. But even 11 years later, the sludge at the bottom may still have significant concentrations of hazardous substances used in the drilling, and of the naturally occurring toxins brought back up with the material from the drilled well bore.
All of these issues are supposed to be taken care of in the required abandonment and site reclamation. http://halifax.mediacoop.ca/story/abandoned-hants-county-oil-well-not-cleaned-after/30697
Fracking Nova Scotia? Oil industry confirms Kennetcook and Noel in the crosshairs
Noel, Nova Scotia - A Media Coop article of one year ago corrected the impression that the 2007 to 2009 shale gas exploration program gave up because it did not find gas.
Nova Scotia Fracking Ground Zero: Kennetcook explains how the program hit the economic wall with the bursting of the hyper-inflated shale gas fracking bubble; and that if the moratorium on fracking was lifted the industry is expected to pick up where Triangle Petroleum's three fracked wells left off. http://halifax.mediacoop.ca/story/fracking-nova-scotia-oil-industry-confirms-kennetc/30747? utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
67 Spending on major projects hits record high in Atlantic Canada: report
The Atlantic Provinces Economic Council released its annual inventory Monday of major projects in various stages of development in the region.
It said the 439 projects are worth a record $122 billion in investment, up seven per cent over last year.
The council credits the rise in total inventory value with an increase in the number of proposed projects in Nova Scotia. It said the province's total inventory value has surpassed that of Newfoundland and Labrador for the first time since the mid-1980s.
Current-year spending on major projects in the region is also on the rise, up about eight per cent to a record $15 billion, with Newfoundland and Labrador leading the pack. Spending in that province is up 10 per cent over last year to $9.8 billion, mostly due to the Muskrat Falls hydroelectric project and offshore developments. http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/spending-on-major-projects-hits-record-high-in-atlantic-canada-report- 1.1838310
68 Canadian News
Goldenkey Withdraws West Lethbridge Drilling Application
LETHBRIDGE: The 'Penny Project' has gone the way of Canada's smallest coin - it has been dumped. Goldenkey Oil claims there are several reasons for the decision, not the least of which could be the voices raised in objection and thousands of names on petitions, in an effort to halt the company's plans to undertake a fracking project in West Lethbridge. http://www.country95.fm/news.asp?ID=8383
A rising tide: the case against Canada as a world citizen
A generation ago, Canada was perceived to be an exemplary global citizen by the rest of the world: it took the lead on a host of international issues, including the Convention of Child Rights, freedom of information, acid rain, world peacekeeping, sanctions against South Africa's apartheid regime, and humanitarian and development assistance—much of this under conservative leadership.
During recent years, Canada's reputation as a global citizen has slipped, in recent months more precipitously than ever before, and in new directions. The Climate Action Network1 recently ranked Canada 55th of 58 countries in tackling of greenhouse emissions. Results of other analyses2 show a government systematically removing obstacles to resource extraction initiatives by gutting existing legislation, cutting budgets of relevant departments, and eliminating independent policy and arms- length monitoring bodies.
Canada's reputation is further undercut by its silencing of government scientists on environmental and public health issues: scientists are required to receive approval before they speak with the media; they are prevented from publishing; and, remarkably, their activities are individually monitored at international conferences. http://www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo/article/PIIS2214-109X%2814%2970199-8/fulltext? elsca1=ETOC-TLGH&elsca2=email&elsca3=HA1TV8F
UBCIC Open Letter of Support and Gratitude to Fort Nelson First Nation
Further, the UBCIC Executive will continue to stand and support Fort Nelson First Nation as we move forward together on this path. As Chief Gale has accurately articulated, First Nations are on the front lines of land, water and air protection in a world hungry for natural resources. The strong stand that First Nations take across BC to protect their territories; we leverage our Aboriginal Title, Rights and Treaty Rights for the benefit of all Canadians and British Columbians by forcing governments and industry to put environmental protections on par with economic growth. The UBCIC commends Fort Nelson First Nations proactive and strong approach on this issue and we are confident in the Solidarity and Elders Declarations put forward at the Forum. Furthermore, we categorically reject any racist notions that the Fort Nelson First Nation acted inappropriately or has any reason to apologize for their strong and courageous stand. http://www.ubcic.bc.ca/News_Releases/UBCICNews05011401.html#axzz30Ur8wU7W
69 UN report on aboriginals warns of crisis in Canada
A United Nations envoy says there’s a crisis in Canada when it comes to how aboriginal people in this country are treated, noting that the relationship between the federal government and indigenous peoples is even more strained than a decade ago.
In a new report released Monday, James Anaya -- the UN’s Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples -- says there appears to be a high level of distrust among aboriginal Canadians toward both the federal government and the provinces.
Further, the report notes the “distressing socio-economic conditions of indigenous peoples” in Canada and says it’s particularly jarring given that Canada is so highly developed.
“It is difficult to reconcile Canada’s well-developed legal framework and general prosperity with the human rights problems faced by indigenous peoples in Canada that have reached crisis proportions in many respects,” the report reads. http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/un-report-on-aboriginals-warns-of-crisis-in-canada-1.1817505
LNG promises an election "gimmick": Grand Chief
Grand Chief Stewart Phillip said it was "life changing and heart-breaking" to see how fracking was impacting places like Fort Nelson and Treaty 8 territory, which includes a large part of northeastern BC.
"It was an election gimmick, and was bogus from day one," Grand Chief Stewart Phillip said of the Premier's promises of prosperity from liquified natural gas projects at the LNG Pipe Dreams event on Wednesday.
Organized by the Wilderness Committee and the Council of Canadians, the meeting -- which drew about 250 people -- was a "counter-summit" held to coincide with the Premier's own LNG industry conference happening downtown. Chief Phillip said China's recent $400 billion LNG deal with Russia showed how far behind BC was compared to other countries when it came to gas development. http://www.vancouverobserver.com/news/lng-promises-election-gimmick-grand-chief
Christy Clark confronted by Aboriginal leaders torn over LNG plans
Treaty 8 Chiefs want economic opportunities from LNG, but worry about "Tar Sands scale" industrialization harming their land, water and wildlife.
Premier Christy Clark smiles awkwardly at a Vancouver LNG Summit on Thursday as Treaty 8 Tribal Association Chief Liz Logan presents a letter describing a souring relationship with the northeast chiefs over LNG.; (2) Aerial photo of gas plants in Treaty 8 lands. Photos provided by Liz Logan http://www.vancouverobserver.com/news/christy-clark-confronted-aboriginal-leaders-torn-over-lng- plans http://www.vancouverobserver.com/sites/vancouverobserver.com/files/resize/images/article/body/Gas %20plants%20in%20Treaty%208%20lands%20-%20Liz%20Logan%20photo-500x333.jpg
70 Our Nationhood National Film Board of Canada Alanis Obomsawin Embedded video
In this feature documentary, Aboriginal filmmaker and artist Alanis Obomsawin chronicles the determination and tenacity of the Listuguj Mi'gmaq people to use and manage the natural resources of their traditional lands. Our Nationhood provides a contemporary perspective on the Mi'gmaq people's ongoing struggle and ultimate success, culminating in the community receiving an award for Best Managed River from the same government that had denied their traditional rights. https://www.nfb.ca/film/our_nationhood
71 Other News
Fracking and shale: Marcus Adams and Tony Gallagher Embedded video
Fracking was not about energy security or cutting gas prices, but making money for investors, said a campaigner against a Sussex project.
He debated with former Telegraph editor Tony Gallagher, who said health concerns were overstated, on the Daily Politics, after presenter Jo Coburn heard from Lord MacGregor who backed fracking. http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-27328947
Why we don’t need fracking UK
Appearing on Radio 4’s Today programme this morning, Caroline Lucas noted in response to the House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee who published a report on fracking in the UK, “We simply don’t need to be going down this road. There is a road that is there with energy efficiency, renewable energy .. these are the secure energies of the future. … The way to do it is to invest in those energy sources.”
“I’m not in the least bit persuaded,” she argued, “We don’t know how clean gas from fracking is… it will lock us into a fossil fuel future.”
“Absolutely a priority now is to be investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency… particularly when scientists also tell us that we need to leave 80% of known fossil fuel reserves in the ground if we’re to have any hope of avoiding dangerous climate change.” http://blog.cat.org.uk/2014/05/08/lords-0-lucas-1-caroline-gets-it-right-on-fracking/ http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-27323610
EPA will seek comments on disclosing frac fluid ingredients
The US Environmental Protection Agency announced it will seek public comment on what information could be reported and disclosed for hydraulic fracturing chemicals and mixtures and the approaches for obtaining this information.
Ideas about incentives and recognition programs that could support the development and use of safer chemicals in hydraulic fracturing also will be solicited, EPA said in a May 9 advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR).
Comments will be accepted for 90 days following the ANPR’s publication in the Federal Register early next week, it indicated. http://www.ogj.com/articles/2014/05/epa-will-seek-comments-on-disclosing-frac-fluid-ingredients.html? cmpid=EnlDailyMay92014
72 Duke Energy to lawmakers: Moving toxic coal ash costs too much
RALEIGH, N.C. -- Duke Energy told North Carolina lawmakers Tuesday that removing all of the company's coal ash away from the state's rivers and lakes would take decades and cost up to $10 billion, with its electricity customers likely footing nearly all the bill.
The company's proposal is to remove the coal ash from unlined dumps at four of its power plants, but then leave much of what is stored at 10 other sites in place after covering it with plastic and soil.
Environmental groups are calling for new legislation requiring Duke to move all of its coal ash to lined landfills away from waterways following the massive Feb. 2 spill from a collapsed pipe in Eden that coated 70 miles of the Dan River in gray sludge. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/duke-energy-to-lawmakers-moving-toxic-coal-ash-costs-too-much/?a
Day of Action in Hamilton
A group of environmentalists in Hamilton staged a day of action today. They’re trying to win support for their stand that oil trains and oil pipelines are dangerous for our communities.
They’re trying to win public support and at the same time tackle the federal government. They’re fighting the government’s efforts to ship more oil to market from the oil sands in northern Alberta. One of their concerns is the possibility of another Lac Megantic disaster of exploding train cars carrying oil. http://www.chch.com/day-action-hamilton/
Mexico's Looming Fracking and Offshore Oil and Gas Bonanza
After generations of state control, Mexico’s vast oil and gas reserves will soon open for business to the international market.
In December 2013, Mexico’s Congress voted to break up the longstanding monopoly held by the state- owned oil giant Petroleos Mexicanos — commonly called Pemex — and to open the nation’s oil and gas reserves to foreign companies.
The constitutional reforms appear likely to kickstart a historic hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) and deepwater offshore oil and gas drilling bonanza off the Gulf of Mexico. http://www.desmogblog.com/2014/05/12/no-turning-back-mexico-looming-fracking-and-offshore-oil- and-gas-bonanza
'Over my dead body': northern BC residents overwhelmed by massive LNG push
“It’s the first time I’ve felt so pushed and powerless by a force outside of our area telling us what is to happen,” Kispiox resident says.
73 In the Kispiox Valley 650 km north of Vancouver -- where “No LNG” lawn signs seem to be everywhere -- rancher Gene Allen had strong words for TransCanada pipeline contractors. The crews showed up on the riverbed near his $2-million-lodge yet again to scope out pipeline drill work, despite his repeated requests for them not to return.
Allen, who is “described as a pillar of the community” by an Oil Gas Commission official who didn’t want to be named, opposes LNG on environmental grounds.
“I’ve worked in oil and gas. It’s a boom and bust deal. It’s not sustainable. The sports fishing industry is sustainable, the food fishing for the First Nations is too. That’s their life blood.”
“If this goes through – kiss it goodbye,” said Allen. http://www.vancouverobserver.com/news/over-my-dead-body-northern-bc-residents-overwhelmed- massive-lng-push
Former Mobil Oil exec urges brakes on gas fracking
But Allstadt, who worked 31 years for Mobil Oil, stood among elected officials from several upstate communities Tuesday to urge the state not to allow hydrofracking, and instead encourage development of more renewable energy.
"Making fracking safe is simply not possible, not with the current technology, or with the inadequate regulations being proposed," said Allstadt, retired executive vice president of Mobil. He spoke during a news conference called by Elected Officials to Protect New York, a group which represents more than 800 officials from all 62 counties statewide that have adopted anti-fracking resolutions. http://www.timesunion.com/business/article/Former-Mobil-Oil-exec-urges-brakes-on-gas-fracking- 5422292.php
Letter: Downsides of fracking must be taken seriously
Trickled throughout a recent News story, “A border tale of boom and bust,” is cautionary language that perhaps the Pennsylvania “boom” might not be all it’s cracked up to be. Unfortunately, that sentiment is buried in secondary clauses, implying that we really should buy the gas industry’s hype.
But for those of us living through the Pennsylvania experience, those cautionary notes are the true story. Shortly after drilling and fracking occurred at two nearby wells, my water became contaminated, and my granddaughter and grandson got sick from the air pollution. In addition to the air and water pollution that comes with fracking – the human cost of which is hard to put in economic terms – our local governments have seen increased costs from fracking. http://www.buffalonews.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/letter-downsides-of-fracking-must-be-taken- seriously-20140517
Chasing Methane Years of Living Dangerously
Natural gas is being touted as “America’s energy source” and a way towards a cleaner, greener future.
74
In Chasing Methane, Correspondent Mark Bittman conducts a year long investigation to see if that’s true. http://yearsoflivingdangerously.com/story/chasing-methane/
Designing An Effective Fracking Study For Colorado
Joann Ginal, a Colorado legislator, has repeatedly tried to pass a law that would create a scientific study of the environment risks of hydraulic fracking. She has failed to accomplish her goal as other legislators, and the industry, complain that it would duplicate other work and rely on surveys. According to Climate Progress’ Andrew Breiner, opponents didn’t provide examples of other studies. Odd choice of words as it evades the question of whether there are other studies: in fact, the proposed legislation calls for a review of the literature, i.e. other studies. http://www.forbes.com/sites/michaellynch/2014/05/23/designing-an-effective-fracking-study-for- colorado/
Ecuador authorizes oil drilling in Yasuni National Park
In a move condemned as paving the way for an environmental disaster, the environment minister of Ecuador on Thursday authorized permits for oil exploration to begin within the Yasuní National Park, an area home to two indigenous communities living in voluntary isolation and an area some consider the most biodiverse place in the world, writes Andrea Germanos for Common Dreams.
Oil production in the area could happen as soon as 2016. http://www.earthnewsonline.org/ecuador-authorizes-oil-drilling-in-yasuni-national-park/
Chevron Pollution Judgement In Ecuador Halved By Country's Highest Court
QUITO, Ecuador (AP) — Ecuador's highest court has upheld a landmark judgment against Chevron Corp. for oil contamination in the Amazon, but cut the penalty in half, to $8.8 billion.
The sum equals the original judgment against the oil multinational awarded by a local judge in February 2011.
That amount was doubled a year later after Chevron refused to publicly apologize for the contamination, which occurred between 1972 and 1990 under a Texaco-led consortium. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/13/chevron-pollution-ecuador_n_4267246.html
Ecuador Adopts Rights of Nature in Constitution
The new Ecuadorian Constitution includes a Chapter: Rights for Nature. Rather than treating nature as property under the law, Rights for Nature articles acknowledge that nature in all its life forms has the right to exist, persist, maintain and regenerate its vital cycles. And we – the people – have the legal
75 authority to enforce these rights on behalf of ecosystems. The ecosystem itself can be named as the defendent. http://therightsofnature.org/ecuador-rights/
First victim of the first Chevron fracking site in Romania (EN/FR/IT/DE/ES/GR)
A fatal work accident has occurred the night of 18-19 May on the Chevron platform in the village of Pungesti, Romania, where a worker employed by the Dafora company has lost his life.
According to local sources belonging to the Movement of Resistance in the village, the worker, who died instantly, was a victim of lethal substances stored in the immediate vicinity of the well.
Despite draconian restrictions, anonymous sources within the Dafora company have confirmed the tragic event. Also, villagers reported the presence of an ambulance on site, and unusual activities within the Chevron occupied perimeter.
From information obtained so far, the body was transported to the Institute of Legal Medicine in Bacau, and the prosecutors and work inspectors have started an inquest into this case.
The fact that the press has not yet been tipped off about this serious incident leads us to believe that authorities are trying to suppress any information, in order to avoid fueling fears among the population and environmental activists with regards to the extreme toxicity of the substances that will be injected into the soil.
Just as a reminder, Chevron recently started exploration work through hydraulic fracking in Pungesti, despite strong opposition from the local population. https://www.facebook.com/groups/132079906855023/#!/notes/788052734540877/
The Lakota vow to die rather than let the KXL pipeline pass
The Oglala Lakota and activists of the American Indian Movement have taken a vow that the only way the KXL Pipeline will pass through South Dakota is if they are dead or in prison. This vow was taken back on Feb. 27, Liberation Day, an event to commemorate the infamous 1890 massacre of Native people by U.S. soldiers. http://redpowermedia.wordpress.com/2014/05/16/the-lakota-vow-to-die-rather-than-let-the-kxl-pipeline- pass-2/
Britain Proposes Easier Access to Tap Shale Rock Energy
LONDON — While most western European governments are opposed to developing oil and gas from shale rock through hydraulic fracturing, the British government continues to plug away at the obstacles inhibiting the country’s fledgling shale industry.
76 The government on Friday proposed giving companies the right to drill laterally under land without seeking the consent of each landowner as long as the wells were at least 300 meters, or about 985 feet, deep.
It also endorsed industry proposals that operators make a voluntary payment of 20,000 pounds, or $34,000, to local communities for each horizontal well that they drill. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/24/business/international/britain-proposes-easier-access-to-tap-shale- rock-energy.html?emc=edit_tnt_20140524&nlid=63694708&tntemail0=y&_r=1
4 injured, 200 evacuated after Washington natural gas plant explosion
Gas explosion at LNG facility in Washington prompts concerns about proposed export terminals in Oregon
A large explosion and fire Monday at natural gas processing plant near the Washington-Oregon border injured four workers and led to the evacuation of about 200 people from nearby homes as flames and a mushroom-shaped cloud of black smoke reached high into the air.
The 8:20 a.m. blast at the Williams Northwest Pipeline plant in the town of Plymouth, along the Columbia River, also punctured a liquefied natural gas storage tank.
Benton County Sheriff Steven Keane said some gas leaked from the tank to the ground in a containment area and evaporated into the air, but it was only a small amount. "I think if one of those huge tanks has exploded, it might have been a different story," he said. http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest- news/index.ssf/2014/03/4_injured_200_evacuated_after.html
Ecuador's tribes declare 'national mobilization' against oil and mining
Ecuador's umbrella organization representing the country's Tribal Nations, CONAIE, has declared a National Mobilization to oppose a wave of oil and mining projects that threaten tribal territories across the country.
The declaration comes in the wake of increasing hostility by Ecuador's government against the indigenous people resisting large scale resource extraction on their ancenstral lands. The government has announced a 'national security alert'.
At present more than 200 Tribal National leaders are under investigation for terrorism - relating to the growing popular resistance to polluted water and environmental destruction arising from extractive industries. http://www.theecologist.org/News/news_analysis/2408847/ecuadors_tribes_declare_national_mobilizati on_against_oil_and_mining.html
77 Water
Why surging water consumption could end the shale gale
Emissions barriers used to pose the greatest threat to the shale revolution. Now, water consumption is the main concern
With regard to freshwater consumption, the oil and gas industry is facing questions of its own. Amid a flurry of unconventional resource extraction in North America, over-consumption of dwindling water sources has become among the most controversial issues facing the energy sector. Because water is a lifeblood resource for all, its usage incites emotionally charged debates: environmentalists are in an uproar over decreasing freshwater supplies as well as potential groundwater and surface water contamination.
Emissions performance is arguably still the primary environmental fighting ground in the oil and gas sector, but that could soon change. In some circles, it already has. Indeed, the limiting factor in future unconventional oil and gas production may not be commodity prices, or even restive environmentalists; some in the energy industry have admitted that if anything brings this unconventional boom to a halt, it will be depleted freshwater supplies. http://www.albertaoilmagazine.com/2014/03/finite-supply-shale-revolution/
China wakes up to its water crisis
More than 70 per cent of China’s rivers and lakes are polluted and almost half may contain water that is unfit for human consumption or contact.
The director of the Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs in Beijing had yet to have breakfast, so he ignored it. When he finally answered, the news was momentous.
The Chinese government had admitted for the first time that decades of reckless pollution had spawned a string of “cancer villages.”
These are communities near chemical, pharmaceutical or power plants with unusually high death rates. Environmentalists, NGOs and academics had long argued that contaminated water, which villagers rely on for drinking, cooking and washing, was the prime suspect.
The cancer villages — there are an estimated 450 across China — were identified in the late ’90s but the government had never acknowledged them. Until now. The belated recognition appeared in the environment ministry’s five-year plan for tackling pollution. http://www.thestar.com/news/world/2014/05/12/china_wakes_up_to_its_water_crisis.html
What Happens If Your Town Runs Out of Water?
In California's drought-stricken community of Lompico, a water shortage forces locals to rethink how they use water.
78 From recycling shower water to piping water in from a neighboring district, residents take urgent action to keep the town from drying up. http://video.ca.msn.com/watch/video/what-happens-if-your-town-runs-out-of-water/7fwjhuy5? ogvars=bWt0PWVuLWNhJmZyPWZhY2Vib29rLWxpa2Utc2VuZCZhcD10cnVl&from=en- ca_fblike&fb_action_ids=10152409033255590&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=other_multiline&a ction_object_map=%5B501198393314880%5D&action_type_map=%5B%22og.likes %22%5D&action_ref_map=%5B%5D http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2014/05/140508-drought-california-water-shortage- conservation/
Top Greek court rules water privatization could put public health at risk
Reuters reports, "A top Greek court has blocked the planned privatization of the country’s biggest water utility, the Athens Water Supply and Sewerage Company (EYDAP), the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (AMNA) has reported, on the grounds the sale could put public health at risk."
The article continues, "The government had been planning to sell a substantial stake in Athens Water (EYDAP) to private investors under the terms of Greece’s bailout by its foreign lenders – the European Union and the International Monetary Fund – but the Council of State, Greece’s highest administrative court, ruled the sale would be unconstitutional because it might put public health at risk, AMNA reported, with concerns water quality could deteriorate under private control."
Greek Reporter adds, "According to the provisions of Articles 5 and 21 of Greece’s Constitution, the state is responsible for its citizens’ health, and also guarantees the right to the protection of public health." http://canadians.org/blog/top-greek-court-rules-water-privatization-could-put-public-health-risk
79 Fracking and Earthquakes
“Frackquakes” could grow stronger — New geophysics studies released Thursday May 1
There was a geophysics meeting yesterday. Fracking earthquakes could grow STRONGER according to new findings.
Like I said earlier today… in regards to Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Ohio having fracking earthquakes now confirmed by the professionals….. it ALL comes out at once.
“The man-made earthquakes that have been shaking up the southern United States only stand to get stronger and more dangerous as the controversial practice of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, increases, scientists warned at a Thursday conference. http://dutchsinse.tatoott1009.com/5022014-frackquakes-could-grow-stronger-new-geophysics-studies- released-thursday-may-1/
Mexico’s prospective shale boom will be a long time coming
AVELARDO GÁRZA GARCIA’S face splits into a grin as he remembers the moment, a few months ago, when the exploratory well behind his house produced a roaring flame, indicating that his family’s cattle ranch sat on a reserve of shale gas. “I heard a loud ‘puff’ and the flame shot 15 feet into the air,” he says. He telephoned his 14 brothers and sisters to tell them the good news. “I thought ‘muuucho dinero’,” he says, patting his pockets.
If he lived just a few hours north in Texas, he might indeed be sitting on a jackpot. But things are never so easy in Mexico. In the weeks afterwards, the area around his home suffered an unusual spate of earthquakes. In nearby villages, locals point to cracks in their walls and say they have never felt anything like it. Sergio Gómez, mayor of the municipality of Los Ramones, says the tremors have shaken people’s confidence in hydraulic fracturing or “fracking”—even if there is no scientific proof that the two are related.
Only two shale wells have been dug in Los Ramones (and fewer than 25 in all of Mexico), compared with thousands in nearby south Texas, which has barely sustained any quake damage despite the “shale revolution”. But already the jokes fly. “Visitors used to stay away from here because of the narcos,” says one woman. “Now it’s because of the petroleros.” http://www.economist.com/news/americas/21601518-mexicos-prospective-shale-boom-will-be-long- time-coming-shaky-ground
Fracking-triggered earthquakes could get stronger, seismologists say
Scientists attending the Seismological Society of America (SSA) annual meeting Thursday said that underground disposal of wastewater and fracking likely induce earthquakes by changing the state of stress on existing faults to the point of failure. Most seismic events linked to fracking had been magnitude 3.0 or less.
80 Researchers had previously believed that such induced earthquakes could not exceed magnitude 5.0. But in 2011, two stronger earthquakes were recorded in heavily drilled areas near Trinidad, Colorado and Prague, Oklahoma.
The larger quakes led researchers brought together by the SSA meeting to believe there may be a cumulative effect and that larger, "outlier" earthquakes could become the norm.
“I think ultimately, as fluids propagate and cover a larger space, the likelihood that it could find a larger fault and generate larger seismic events goes up,” Gail Atkinson, professor of earth sciences at Western University in Ontario Canada, said at the SSA meeting. http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/5/1/fracking-earthquakelink.html
Shale Oil And Gas: Potential For Earthquakes Could Cause Sector To Lose Footing
Shale oil and shale gas development is helping give new life to parts of the country. But it could also be helping to do something more nefarious — contribute to smaller earthquakes by discharging millions of tons of wastewater that had been used to drill.
That’s according to research recently presented at the Seismological Society of America annual meeting by the U.S. Geological Survey. It says that water that is leftover after “fracking” must get flushed back down. That is adding stress to existing faults and increasing the reach of where tremors can occur, which can be as much as 31 miles from the epicenter and which can happen at a magnitude of 5.0 that is greater than previously thought, at 3.0. http://www.forbes.com/sites/kensilverstein/2014/05/06/shale-oil-and-gas-potential-for-earthquakes- could-cause-sector-to-lose-footing/#./?&_suid=13994232268810362707757033326
Texas Mayor Appeals for Fracking Data After Eerthquakes Jolt Town
The state agency responsible for regulating the oil and gas industry in Texas has requested that fracking companies report data related to wastewater disposal wells daily — instead of yearly — after hundreds of earthquakes hit an area with no history of seismic activity, said the mayor of a small Texas town on Tuesday.
At least 300 small earthquakes have hit north Texas — home to the heavily-drilled Barnett Shale region — since January, according to United States Geological Survey (USGS) data. Critics say the state has acted too slowly in investigating the unusual seismic activity and its possible links to fracking activities.
“The Texas Railroad Commission has sent a letter requesting that companies voluntarily give that information,” said Alan Brundrett, mayor of Azle, a small town of about 11,000 in north Texas that has experienced unusual earthquakes.
“That’s the biggest issue, that the data is not available,” Brundrett told Al Jazeera. “The one thing we’d like to see is daily reporting — then if there is seismic activity it can be linked to the disposal wells themselves.” http://lbfromlv.wordpress.com/2014/05/14/texas-mayor-appeals-for-fracking-data-after-earthquakes-jolt- town-by-renee-lewis-may-13-2014-403pm-et/
81 Colorado 4 MILE LONG Landslide @ FRACKING operation Embedded videos
Main stream media showing this location in their videos, clearly the landslide location contains the only fracking / injection well operation for several miles in any direction:
39°15’50.15″N , 107°53’47.92″W
Pictures prove what words cannot.
http://dutchsinse.tatoott1009.com/5272014-4-mile-long-landslide-at-colorado-fra cking-operation/
Fracked http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1o9cvLE66ps&feature=player_embedded
Video of the area flyover here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJbLEX432ns&feature=player_embedded
Massive mud slide http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXHmx5qnVRg&feature=player_embedded
82 Oil and Pipelines
TransCanada’s Insidious PR Campaign: Launches Keystone XL “Good Neighbor” Charm Offensive
Fund Launched After Safety Issues Revealed
Less than a week after Public Citizen published its November 2013 report addressing safety issues discovered during the construction phase of Keystone XL‘s southern leg, TransCanada announced the launch of its charitable fund.
Public Citizen‘s report, “Construction Problems Raise Questions About the Integrity of the Pipeline,” found 250 miles of the pipelines’ 485-mile route had faulty welding, dents and several parts patched up, among other anomalies.
Julia Trigg Crawford, a Lamar County resident (one of the counties eligible for TransCanada’s grants) best known as the landowner who filed a major eminent domain lawsuit against TransCanada for Keystone XL South, told DeSmogBlog she believes the timing of the fund’s launch is suspect. http://www.globalresearch.ca/transcanadas-insidious-pr-campaign-launches-keystone-xl-good- neighbor-charm-offensive/5379826
Did TransCanada Try to Discredit a Pipeline Safety Whistleblower?
A newly released internal e-mail from TransCanada Corp. is raising fresh questions about whether its managers attempted to undermine the credibility of a former employee who questioned the company's commitment to safety, describing him as "disgruntled."
The email is the latest in a collection of thousands of pages of records released by the former employee, engineer Evan Vokes, who has been at the center of a dispute over the safety of TransCanada's operations in Canada. http://insideclimatenews.org/news/20140501/did-transcanada-try-discredit-pipeline-safety-whistleblower
Explosive Virginia Train Carried Fracked Bakken Oil, Headed to Potential Export Facility
Platts confirmed CSX Corporation's train that exploded in Lynchburg, Virginia was carrying sweet crude obtained via hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) in North Dakota's Bakken Shale basin. CSX CEO Michael Ward has also confirmed this to Bloomberg.
“Trade sources said the train was carrying Bakken crude from North Dakota and was headed to Plains All American's terminal in Yorktown,” Platts explained. “The Yorktown facility can unload 130,000 b/d of crude and is located on the site of Plains oil product terminal.”
At least 50,000 gallons of the oil headed to Yorktown is now missing, according to ABC 13 in Lynchburg. Some of it has spilled into the James River, as previously reported on DeSmogBlog. http://desmogblog.com/2014/04/30/explosive-virginia-train-carried-fracked-bakken-oil-headed-to- potential-export-facility
83 Less Than 24 Hours After Virginia Oil Train Spill, Same Company Derails Again In Maryland
Less than 24 hours after an oil train operated by CSX derailed and caught fire in Lynchburg, Virginia on Wednesday, another CSX train carrying 8,000 tons of coal derailed in Bowie, Maryland early Thursday morning.
CSX spokeswoman Kristin Seay said about 10 cars of the coal train went off the tracks, though the cars were all still upright and there are currently no safety or hazardous material concerns. According to the Baltimore Sun, however, it appears from initial photos that one coal train overturned, spilling its load of coal. CSX officials are currently investigating the scene of the derailment and don’t yet know the cause. http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/05/01/3432983/train-derails-again/
First Nations' anti-Keystone XL alliance years in making
Indigenous organizers say Reject and Protect gathering in DC marked the culmination of years spent building solidarity across nations and across borders, and that more will be on the way.
When energy campaigner and school teacher Crystal Lameman arrived in Washington DC on Sunday for the "Reject and Protect" Keystone XL protest, she saw dozens of First Nations people from all over Canada and the U.S.. Some were dressed in full regalia and many had brought drums.
Standing among them, talking and preparing for the morning's opening prayer ceremony, were numerous ranchers and farmers in cowboy boots and hats, wearing shirts with "Cowboy and Indian Alliance" printed on them.
“It was just this complete mixture of people in this crowd, working together, organizing and planning," she said.
When a group of delegates stormed the Canadian Embassy, ranchers led the way. When another delegation of protectors stepped into the Reflecting Pool on the National Mall to prove their point — an arrestable offence — a non-Indigenous rancher spoke loudly to the public about governments’ responsibility to uphold the treaties with Indigenous peoples. http://www.vancouverobserver.com/news/first-nations-anti-keystone-xl-alliance-years-making
Stepping up for the climate: Kenora, ON https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1OyFBZSxnU
Kinder Morgan has managed to find a silver lining in oil slicks: they could create jobs.
That's according to a 15,000 page application Kinder Morgan has submitted to the National Energy Board for the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (a document so large that it "stands over two metres tall and fills 37 binders").
In a section of the application dedicated to the risks and effects associated with oil tanker traffic and the possibility of oil spills, Kinder Morgan finds that "spills can have both positive and negative effects." In
84 particular, "spill response and clean-up creates business and employment opportunities for affected communities, regions, and clean-up service providers." http://www.pressprogress.ca/en/post/kinder-morgan-says-oil-spills-can-be-good-economy
Last local First Nation leaves JOSM
The Fort McMurray First Nation No. 468, the last local First Nation participating in the Joint Oil Sands Monitoring program, has left.
In an emailed statement, the First Nation's leadership confirmed that, as of Tuesday, they will no longer participate in the joint federal-provincial environmental program.
"Why have First Nations at the JOSM table at all if Alberta and Canada are unwilling to include us in a meaningful way?" said Nicholle Louvelle, director of the First Nation’s Industry Relations Corporation. http://www.fortmcmurraytoday.com/2014/05/02/last-local-first-nation-leaves-josm
Drums of the Great Bear - Historic Gathering Against Enbridge in Prince Rupert http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwqGP2Pztt4&feature=youtu.be
Public safety at risk by oil train shipments
Russell Gold, senior energy reporter for the Wall Street Journal, talks with Rachel Maddow about the safety shortcomings inherent in shipping oil by rail, particularly the highly flammable Bakken crude. http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/watch/public-safety-at-risk-by-oil-train-shipments- 244683843726
Oil Companies Plead Guilty to Burnaby Oil Spill http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6xXAlsLFhs
Barnet Highway Oil Spill - July 24, 2007 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIYjIitKnKk
Enbridge Northern Gateway flyover Misleads the public https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3vxhnan_ZA&feature=youtu.be
85 Koch Brothers Are The Largest Foreign Lease Holder of Canadian Oil Sands https://www.facebook.com/groups/132079906855023/
Chilliwack farmers will block pipeline replacement project
Right around the time corn farmer Ian Sparkes was getting ready to plant his iconic Chilliwack crop three years ago, natural gas giant Spectra Energy came on the land, dug up the soil in the rain and stayed for 35 days.
Because of the long-term damage that 2011 work caused, and the company's refusal to sign a contract to protect against future damage, property owner Gord Mitchell said he and five other farmers along Spectra's pipeline will physically block the company from doing planned construction this spring.
After the 2011 incident, Mitchell and other neighbouring farmers including Tom Baumann and Alf Kloot, formed the Fraser Valley Association of Pipeline Landowners (FVAPL) to stand up to Spectra.
"I . . . made it clear to Mr. Mitchell that based on soil analysis work that we did, that emergency dig in 2011 could have been done better," Weilinger said.
Mitchell called that an understatement and that a report done by Zbeetnoff Agro-Environmental Consulting hired by Spectra illustrated that there had been "egregious damage" to the soil. http://www.chilliwacktimes.com/news/244992991.html#.U2w06ozgOVE.facebook
Remembering The Exxon Valdez Oil Spill, 25 Years Later
A recent federal report showed that sea otters have recovered to their pre-spill numbers in the most affected areas, but many serious impacts from the 1989 spill still linger even a quarter century later. In fact, small amounts of oil are still visible on beaches in the Gulf of Alaska.
March 24, 2014 marks the 25th anniversary of one of the worst environmental disasters in U.S. history. The Exxon Valdez oil spill began when a 987-foot-long oil tanker ran aground on a reef in Prince William Sound, Alaska. The spill stood as the worst in U.S. history until BP's Deepwater Horizon spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/24/exxon-valdez-oil-spill-photos_n_5020845.html
Eastbound and down: Atlantic Canada is the next major pipeline battleground two major pipeline projects have been moving closer to implementation in the east: TransCanada Corp.’s Energy East and Enbridge Inc.’s reversal of its existing Line 9. http://business.financialpost.com/2014/05/08/why-atlantic-canada-is-the-next-major-pipeline- battleground/?__lsa=6fe0-43de
86 "STRAIT UP CRAZY" - Embridge Kalamazopop river dilbit spill https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uE4U-0Yt5zw
Enbridge's Kalamazoo cleanup dredges up 3-year-old oil spill
The Kalamazoo incident is the largest onland spill in the history of the U.S., and has already cost Enbridge more than $1 billion.
The EPA believes there is at least 684,000 litres of bitumen still in the river. Before March's cleanup order was issued, Enbridge and the EPA went back and forth over how much oil there was and whether or not dredging it would do more harm than good to the Kalamazoo's ecosystem. http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/enbridge-s-kalamazoo-cleanup-dredges-up-3-year-old-oil-spill- 1.1327268
Enbridge slammed for 'Keystone Kops' response to Michigan spill
Enbridge Inc. has been slammed in a scathing review of its massive Michigan pipeline spill, with a U.S. watchdog saying the company acted like “the Keystone Kops” and ignored safety procedures while suffering “pervasive organizational failures.” http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/industry-news/energy-and-resources/enbridge- slammed-for-keystone-kops-response-to-michigan-spill/article4402752/
Train Derails Near La Salle In Weld County
LA SALLE, Colo. (CBS4) – Crews have been working on cleaning up after six cars of a train derailed.
The train was carrying crude oil when six cars went off the track causing the oil to spill into a ditch. No one was hurt in the accident but one tanker lost its entire payload spilling all over the ground near water.
“Fortunately it was self contained in the area and now they are able just to vacuum that out,” said a crew member. Union Pacific says inspectors from the Environmental Protection Agency and Parks and Wildlife determined there is no risk to the environment. http://denver.cbslocal.com/2014/05/09/train-derails-near-la-salle-in-weld-county/
New Brunswick town cleans up after third train derailment of the year
CN says an investigation is underway after several train cars went off track in northwestern New Brunswick Friday.
The derailment happened around 2:20 p.m. in a rural area near Grand Falls. This is the region's third train derailment this year, but CN says the latest incident was minor.
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In an interview with The Canadian Press, CN spokesman Jim Feeney said six cars went off the tracks as the mixed-cargo train was entering a side track of the main line at about 10 kilometres per hour.
He adds all of the cars remained upright, while none of the cars were carrying dangerous goods. http://www.theweathernetwork.com/news/articles/-new-brunswick-town-cleans-up-after-third-train- derailment-of-the-year/27236
Video: A flyover of the Northern Gateway pipeline route
See a bird's eye view of the route that Enbridge's proposed pipeline would take, all the way from Alberta to Kitimat. http://www.theprovince.com/Video+flyover+Northern+Gateway+pipeline+route/9828071/story.html http://cdnapi.kaltura.com/p/1698541/sp/169854100/playManifest/entryId/0_277g1d3w/flavorId/0_f82avp 2l/format/url/protocol/http/a.mp4?ks=djJ8MTY5ODU0MXzk5- 5shR4zJD9dSWQPTJtYFFtjUT351p1Ktm3FBhffoQhg8C6I3vReVXkVzYJAawYFwd4U8sE_QCR43qas oWYGGpOeO1rCcJpNeexVKU2Ruw==&referrer=aHR0cDovL3d3dy50aGVwcm92aW5jZS5jb20=&clie ntTag=html5:v2.7&
Three people, rail company face charges in Lac-Megantic railway disaster
The Crown says three people and a train company will face criminal negligence charges stemming from a railway disaster that killed 47 people in Lac-Megantic, Que., last summer.
“Mr. Harding was the driver, Mr. Labrie was the railway traffic controller and Mr. Demaitre was the manager of train operations,” Verret told The Canadian Press late Monday. http://www.citynews.ca/2014/05/12/three-people-rail-company-face-charges-in-lac-megantic-railway- disaster/? fb_action_ids=10152025353391610&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_ref=.U3HbWvTaz8k.like&fb_source= other_multiline&action_object_map=%5B1384981758415343%5D&action_type_map=%5B%22og.likes %22%5D&action_ref_map=%5B%22.U3HbWvTaz8k.like%22%5D
Desmond Tutu: Opposition to pipelines is a moral choice
As I travel the globe – witnessing first-hand the vulnerability of communities most affected by climate change, from South Africa to Canada – the urgency of our responsibility to take action has never been clearer. Every single day hundreds of millions of lives and livelihoods are affected by global warming, a trend that will inevitably and dramatically reduce the quality of life for future generations.
This is why I have become more outspoken in support of citizen-led strategies that will force governments and corporations to move away from our dependence upon fossil fuels and towards safer and cleaner energies that can protect people and our planet.
88 I stand in solidarity with communities across Canada and the United States that are opposing the proposed oil sands pipelines. The struggle of citizens against the pipelines puts them on the front lines of one of the most important struggles in North America today: stopping the reckless expansion of the oil sands. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/business/story.html?id=9823193
A Confidential Fracking Well Named Ron Burgundy Is Leaking In North Dakota
An oil well near Tioga, ND hasn’t stopped leaking oil since local emergency officials were notified of the spill on Friday. But because the well is under a confidentiality agreement that makes some of the well’s information a secret, details such as the spill’s aren’t being released to the public.
In North Dakota, as the Barrel article points out (and Ritter confirmed), all requests for confidentiality are approved without any requirements for well operators to justify why they should be granted confidentiality.
The news of North Dakota’s oil leak comes just a day after the AP reported that thousands of high- priority fracking wells had gone uninspected by the Bureau of Land Management in recent years. It also comes in the midst of a crude oil boom in North Dakota that’s already led to many spills — some high- profile and some completely unknown. In February, a fracking well blowout spilled several thousand gallons of fracking fluid and oil, and last year, a report found that almost 300 oil spills went unreported in North Dakota in the previous two years. http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/05/13/3437460/ron-burgundy-confidential-well-leak/
Railway, 3 employees to be charged in Lac-Mégantic train derailment
MONTREAL — Montreal, Maine and Atlantic and three of its employees are to be charged Tuesday with criminal negligence causing death in connection with the Lac-Mégantic derailment.
Forty-seven people died after a runaway MMA crude oil train derailed and exploded there on July 6, 2013. Millions of litres of crude oil spilled in the accident.
Thomas Harding, the lone engineer in charge of the train, was arrested Monday, along with MMA employees Jean Demaître and Richard Labrie, said Jean Pascal Boucher, a spokesperson for Quebec's director of criminal and penal prosecutions. http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/a9gantic+train+derailment/9831977/story.html
Ottawa defiant as UN deals blow to Northern Gateway pipeline
The federal government will not grant veto power to First Nations communities that oppose resource projects on their traditional territory, including the Northern Gateway pipeline, despite a new United Nations report that urges Canadian governments and industry to win aboriginal consent before proceeding with such developments.
89 In a report released Monday, the UN’s special rapporteur on the rights of indigenous people, James Anaya, said aboriginal Canadians have expressed concerns over a number of proposed resource projects they fear will pollute their traditional lands, including Enbridge Inc.’s Northern Gateway and Kinder Morgan’s TransMountain expansion. http://westcoastnativenews.com/ottawa-defiant-as-un-deals-blow-to-northern-gateway-pipeline/
DOT to fine Canadian Pacific for delayed derailment notification
ALBANY -- Four train cars carrying crude oil slipped off the tracks early Monday morning at Canadian Pacific’s Kenwood Rail Yard at the Port of Albany. The New York Department of Transportation said it will fine the railroad $5,000 for not promptly notifying the agency of the incident.
No one was injured in the incident and no oil leaked from the tanks. Canadian Pacific said it is investigating how the cars derailed. http://www.cbs6albany.com/news/features/top-story/stories/dot-fine-canadian-pacific-delayed- derailment-notification-16107.shtml
Los Angeles oil spill covers streets in 190,000 litres
The Los Angeles Fire Department says a ruptured oil pipe near the suburb of Glendale has spilled about 190,000 litres of crude oil onto streets.
According to a Fire Department news release, the leak from a 50-cm pipe was reported at about 12:15 a.m. PT in Atwater Village and the oil line was remotely shut off. No injuries were reported.
Oil spilled almost a kilometre and is knee-high in some areas. Hazardous materials crews are on the scene. http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/los-angeles-oil-spill-covers-streets-in-190-000-litres-1.2643688?cmp=rss
Kinder Morgan Training Drill On River Attracts Naysayers http://www.cfjctv.com/story.php?id=19489 http://www.cfjctv.com/video/MAY14_KINDER.m4v
LA Oil Spill Spews Crude Into Streets http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOr3rQSIed4
Los Angeles Oil Spill Sends 10,000 Gallons Of Crude Into City Streets http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuQ9I-38muU
90 Council of Canadians seeks to appeal Energy East ruling
Ottawa – The Council of Canadians has asked the Federal Court of Appeal to set aside the National Energy Board’s “List of Issues” for the proposed Energy East pipeline. The advocacy organization says the NEB’s list is unfair, biased and contrary to the law.
“The NEB has effectively sabotaged the approval process by saying what it will or will not consider before any application has been filed,” says Andrea Harden-Donahue, Energy and Climate Justice Campaigner with the Council of Canadians. “The NEB is acting in bad faith and demonstrating how biased it is in favour of the oil industry by tailoring the list of issues to be considered to the company’s advantage.” http://canadians.org/media/council-canadians-seeks-appeal-energy-east-ruling
New pipeline rules don't reach 'world class' standard
The federal government announced a handful of changes to how oil and gas pipelines are run earlier this week, but pipeline watchers, environmental groups and First Nations communities are greeting the proposed reforms with some skepticism.
The measures include a $1-billion absolute liability for oil spills, more consultation with First Nations and expanded powers for the federal regulator, the National Energy Board, which oversees 73,000 kilometres of pipeline.
Environmental groups have advocated that the government institute an unlimited absolute liability, rather than capping the amount.
"Absolute liability means no ifs, ands or buts. You're on the hook for it, as much as it costs, assuming you have the money," said the Ottawa-based Sadik.
Having an unlimited absolute liability can also motivate companies to use best practices and manage their risks.
But an Enbridge pipeline that ruptured and spilled 3.3 million litres of bitumen into Michigan's Kalamazoo River in 2010 has already cost more than $1 billion in cleanup and compensation. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-pipeline-rules-don-t-reach-world-class-standard-1.2644610
Enbridge pipeline road blocked by protesters in Burlington Embedded video
A group of protesters has blockaded the road to an exposed section of Enbridge’s Line 9 pipeline early this morning in Burlington, Ont. The protesters say they plan to continue the blockade for at least 12 hours.
A news release says the 12-hour stay represents 12,000 "anomalies Enbridge has reported to exist on the line."
91 http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/news/enbridge-pipeline-road-blocked-by-protesters-in- burlington-1.2647893 Another 200,000 Litres spilled from a pipeline, This time from Talisman Energy Inc.
On May 17, 2014 about 1.5KM South West of Chauvin Alberta, Talisman Energy Inc spilled at least 200,000 Litres of Produced water due to a pipeline failure. The status of the spill is listed as “No emergency phase” and the official report states:
Release of produced water due to a pipeline failure. Fluids ran down slope and were contained in a low area in a pasture. Free fluids have been collected and clean up is ongoing. No reports of impacted wildlife or waterbodies.
Just yesterday West Coast Native News broke the story on Whitecap Resources Inc spilling 200,000 Litres from a pipeline, strangely the AER forgot to put it on there official report for two weeks and slipped it in yesterday. http://westcoastnativenews.com/another-200000-litres-spilled-from-a-pipeline-this-time-from-talisman- energy-inc/
Ottawa demands NAFTA body drop investigation into oilsands tailings
CALGARY - Ottawa wants the Commission for Environmental Co-operation to drop its investigation into whether laws are being properly enforced when it comes to oilsands pollution.
The CEC asked the federal government in December to respond to allegations that it has failed to enforce provisions in the Fisheries Act by allowing harmful substances to leak from tailings ponds into water sources downstream of mines in northeastern Alberta.
But the federal government said in January that process should proceed "no further" because a legal case dealing with the same issue was already underway in provincial court. In April, the CEC said it disagreed with Ottawa's stance and would press on with its analysis. https://ca.news.yahoo.com/ottawa-demands-nafta-body-drop-investigation-oilsands-tailings- 192558256.html
First Nations prepare for fight against Energy East pipeline
Some 70 First Nations leaders met in Winnipeg recently to plan a strategy they hope will block TransCanada’s ambitious plan to ship more than 1 million barrels a day of crude from Western Canada to refiners and export terminals in the East, despite widespread political support for the $12-billion project.
The company has hired Phil Fontaine, former chief of the Assembly of First Nations, to represent it in meetings. But one leading activist says the company has a tough sell.
“And so it will be First Nations’ interventions and the assertion of aboriginal and treaty rights that is going to stop the plan to build this 4,000-kilometre pipeline.”
92 http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/industry-news/energy-and-resources/first-nations- prepare-for-fight-against-energy-east-pipeline/article18748066/#dashboard/follows/
Federal Study to Assess Dangers of Dilbit When It Spills
The federal government said Tuesday it will study a critical question in the battle over oil pipelines carrying Canadian diluted bitumen: Are spills involving dilbit more dangerous to people and the environment than leaks of lighter traditional oil?
In recent years, dilbit spills in Michigan, Arkansas and elsewhere have provided convincing evidence on the subject, but researchers are still working on definitive scientific studies that would translate those examples into broader conclusions about the risks of dilbit. http://insideclimatenews.org/news/20140521/federal-study-assess-dangers-dilbit-when-it-spills
New Film Destroys TransCanada’s Sunny Keystone PR Campaign
TransCanada’s PR team offers dozens of videos featuring happy “straight talk” — in both English and French — about its Keystone XL pipeline.
But a new film that premiered at the South by Southwest film festival paints a portrait of a company that uses eminent domain — and the threat of exorbitant litigation costs – to bully landowners into giving way to the Keystone pipeline. http://billmoyers.com/2014/05/20/new-film-destroys-transcanadas-sunny-keystone-pr-campaign/ http://vimeo.com/95882600
UPDATE 2-TransCanada eyes shipping oil by rail amid Keystone XL delays-CEO
May 21 (Reuters) - TransCanada Corp is in talks with customers about shipping Canadian crude to the United States by rail as an alternative to its Keystone XL pipeline project that has been mired in political delays, Chief Executive Russ Girling said on Wednesday.
"We are absolutely considering a rail option," Girling told Reuters on the sidelines of a conference in New York. "Our customers have needed to wait for several years, so we're in discussions now with them over the rail option."
The comments are the first to confirm growing speculation that TransCanada might use more costly and controversial railway shipments as a stopgap alternative to the Keystone XL pipeline, whose approval has been delayed by the U.S. government. http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/05/21/transcanada-railway-idUSL1N0O71OC20140521
Russia undercuts B.C. with mega gas deal
Premier Christy Clark received a standing ovation Wednesday at a sold-out Vancouver conference focused on her key economic plank — liquefied natural gas.
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Clark is promising an LNG rush, but questions about B.C.’s competitiveness were raised Wednesday after the signing of a $400-billion deal in which Russia will supply China with natural gas via pipelines, as opposed to LNG transported by ship from B.C.
University of B.C. professor Hadi Dowlatabadi told 24 hours Russia can sell the fuel for a quarter of what B.C. can. http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/2014/05/21/russia-undercuts-bc-with-mega-gas-deal
Koch Brothers Exposed: The Chilling New Documentary Republicans Don’t Want You to See
The updated documentary shows how the Koch brothers have used their vast fortunes to oppose government programs such as Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security, as well as obstruct efforts to raise the minimum wage, tackle climate change and expand voting rights. We are joined by the film’s director, Robert Greenwald, founder and president of Brave New Films.
UNIDENTIFIED: The Koch brothers are the poster boys for the top 1 percent. Their money, their power fuel the growing inequality in America.
JIM HIGHTOWER: The name Koch has become a four-letter word. Day in and day out, we see the Kochs using their billions to purchase politicians and policy, taking a terrible toll on democracy.
SEN. HARRY REID: Koch brothers, they are bound and determined to do away with government.
JIM HIGHTOWER: Stomping on poor people. http://www.democracynow.org/2014/5/21/koch_brothers_exposed_the_chilling_new
California Shale Bubble Just Burst
The great hype surrounding the advent of a shale gas bonanza in California may turn out to be just that: hype. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) – the statistical arm of the Department of Energy – has downgraded its estimate of the total amount of recoverable oil in the Monterey Shale by a whopping 96 percent. Its previous estimate pegged the recoverable resource in California’s shale formation at 13.7 billion barrels but it now only thinks that there are 600 million barrels available. http://www.resourceinvestor.com/2014/05/22/california-shale-bubble-just-burst?ref=hp
In Stunning Backtrack, Feds Say Our Largest Shale Oil Reserve Is Mostly Un-Drillable
The amount of oil that could be extracted from the country’s largest shale oil formation has been overstated by 96 percent, federal energy officials admitted Tuesday, dealing a major blow to industry projections about a new oil-boom future.
In a new estimate to be released publicly next month, the U.S. Energy Information Administration is expected to say that only 600 million barrels of oil can be extracted from California’s Monterey Shale deposits — an amount of oil that would only be enough to meet U.S. oil consumption for 32 days. That
94 number is far below the agency’s previous estimates, which said the shale likely held 13.7 billion barrels of recoverable oil, or enough to meet U.S. oil consumption needs for more than two years. http://readersupportednews.org/news-section2/318-66/23833-in-stunning-backtrack-feds-say-our- largest-shale-oil-reserve-is-mostly-un-drillable
Marking 4 years since the BP Deepwater Horizon blowout
It’s the fourth anniversary of the BP Deepwater Horizon blowout. It was arguably the worst and largest environmental disaster in American history. About 200 million gallons of oil poured into the Gulf of Mexico, destroying marine and wetland ecosystems and devastating once-vibrant fishing, aquaculture, and tourism industries. Communities were torn, and people’s livelihoods were taken away from them. Eleven people died in the disaster, victims of corporate cost-cutting on safety.
BP proclaims the oil gone and the water clear again, despite actual recovery being nowhere in sight. The question that lingers, particularly in light of ongoing impacts of oil spills like the Exxon Valdez spill (which happened 25 years ago) is: will things ever be normal again?
If you think that question is hyperbolic, here are five reasons you should think again.
1. Fisheries have fared poorly since the blowout, with some still stalled. 2. Preliminary findings from a massive study by the National Institutes of Health show anomalous health problems among workers from the clean-up. 3. According to a report by the National Wildlife Foundation, major marine species in the Gulf, including dolphins, sea turtles, and bird species are experiencing prolonged effects from the oil. 4. Another study, this time led by NOAA, shows that when major fish species are exposed to the same oil that spilled in the Gulf, fatal birth defects are common. 5. Delayed payments, legal challenges, and stalling tactics are putting a match to what little good will BP had in the area. http://greenpeaceblogs.org/2014/04/19/marking-4-years-since-bp-deepwater-horizon-blowout/? utm_source=gpusfb&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=bpoilspill
Tar Sands Resistance Is Brewing In Québec
There are others, many of whom are native to the Lower St. Lawrence, who use the logic of jobs — the same as is used by TransCanada — to oppose the project. This is because despite the numbers being put out by TransCanada’s public relations specialists (highly inflated due to inclusion of temporary construction jobs), Energy East stands to create just over 200 permanent jobs over the entire province of Québec — 25 of which will be in Cacouna.
Those meager jobs numbers fail to compare to the amount who work in the tourism sector in Cacouna and the Lower St Lawrence, where a thriving whale-watching industry employs hundreds of people — and exists due to the Beluga Whales who call the river home. A busy port would disrupt and likely destroy the whale-watching industry.
The above mentioned problems, unfortunately, represent a best-case scenario for the pipeline. In the likely event that a spill occurs, the consequences would be much farther reaching and could constitute a major disaster.
95 As was mentioned previously, the Lower St. Lawrence is a major center of production for Québec’s large agricultural industry — which would be devastated in the case of land or water contamination resulting from a spill. This concern has been among the most common which the march has encountered among local residents up to this point. http://www.popularresistance.org/tar-sands-resistance-is-brewing-in-quebec/
Activists hold "Frack Off" protest against Christy Clark's LNG projects Embedded videos
Rising Tide Vancouver Coast Salish Territories gathered a group of citizens to protest BC Premier Christy Clark's LNG conference, which gathered thousands of industry representatives downtown this week. Protesters started on the corner of Melville and Thurlow, home of both the Malaysian Embassy and Petronas, a fossil-fuel company owned by the Malaysian government. From there, roughly two hundred demonstrators marched to the Vancouver Convention Centre, where the LNG in BC conference was taking place. http://www.vancouverobserver.com/news/activists-hold-frack-protest-against-christy-clarks-lng-projects http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=biKFcTewZkE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Srw79T_FLlY&feature=player_embedded
Kinder Morgan spills a lot of oil
This graphic represents the the top 10 spills from Kinder Morgan’s TransMountain pipeline between 1961 and 2013. That’s one leaking pipe. And you want permission to expand it? http://tarsandssolutions.org/visuals/kinder-morgan-spills-a-lot-of-oil http://tarsandssolutions.org/images/uploads/article_images/Kinder_morgan_spills.png
Koch brothers’ company files to develop oil sands project
The Canadian oil arm of the conglomerate owned by the U.S. billionaire Koch brothers has begun initial regulatory work on a multibillion-dollar oil sands project after an asset-sales effort two years ago left it holding a number of leases. Koch Oil Sands Operating LLC, the Calgary-based unit of Koch Industries Inc., has made an initial filing with Alberta regulators and has been in consultation with the nearby Fort McKay First Nation regarding the proposed development.
“We intend to develop a bitumen recovery project identified as the Dunkirk In Situ Project and have submitted the proposed Terms of Reference for an Environmental Impact Assessment to Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development,” Paul Baltzer, spokesman for the Wichita, Kan.- based company, said in an e-mail. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/industry-news/energy-and-resources/koch- brothers-company-files-to-develop-oil-sands-project/article18833873/
96 Oil executive son's powerful testimony at Enbridge Northern Gateway http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1X3VynNZQaQ&feature=youtu.be
Shell's Environmental Devastation in Nigeria
Royal Dutch Shell, plc (Shell) began oil production in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria in 1958 and has a long history of working closely with the Nigerian government to quell popular opposition to its presence in the region. From 1990-1995, Nigerian soldiers, at Shell’s request and with Shell’s assistance and financing, used deadly force and conducted massive, brutal raids against the Ogoni people living in the Niger Delta to repress a growing movement in protest of Shell. http://ccrjustice.org/learn-more/faqs/shell%2526%2523039%3Bs-environmental-devastation-nigeria http://ccrjustice.org/files/4.6.09%20final%20environmental%20factsheet.pdf
Oceanography study start to examining risks of Old Harry development
The team is made up of three researchers from the University of Quebec at Rimouski’s ocean sciences institute and Angela Carter of the University of Waterloo.
Carter is a former faculty member of the environmental studies program at Grenfell Campus, Memorial University in Corner Brook and the study was headed up by Daniel Bourgault, who taught in the Department of Physics and Physical Oceanography at Memorial University’s main campus in St. John’s from 2003 to 2009. http://www.thewesternstar.com/News/Local/2014-05-26/article-3737904/Oceanography-study-start-to- examining-risks-of-Old-Harry-development/1
Keystone XL hit with new safety conditions in U.S.
Safety regulators have quietly placed two extra conditions on construction of TransCanada Corp.'s Keystone XL oil pipeline after learning of potentially dangerous defects involving the southern leg of the Canada-to-Texas project.
The defects — high rates of bad welds, dented pipe and damaged pipeline coating — have been fixed. But the federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration wants to make sure similar problems don't occur during construction of the pipeline's controversial northern segment, which is on hold pending a decision by the Obama administration.
One condition requires TransCanada to hire a third-party contractor chosen by the pipeline safety agency to monitor the construction and make reports to the safety administration on whether the work is sound. The second requires TransCanada to adopt a quality management program to ensure "this pipeline is — from the beginning — built to the highest standards by both Keystone personnel and its many contractors." http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/keystone-xl-hit-with-new-safety-conditions-in-u-s-1.2655368
97 The 7.9 Billion-Dollar Question: Is the Site C Dam's Electricity Destined for LNG Industry?
The expectation that reliable electric power will be available is emphasized by BC Hydro as it touts benefits of the proposed Site C dam on the Peace River and the resulting “clean” energy that could theoretically power 450,000 homes each year.
“Our forecasts show the demand for electricity will increase by approximately 40 per cent during the next 20 years,” said Charles Reid, BC Hydro president.
“And an emerging liquefied natural gas sector could further increase the demand for electricity.”
But, looking into the future is an unreliable art and, while BC Hydro insists that the power will be needed by the time the $8-billion project is completed in 2024, opponents say that, especially at a time when the energy market is undergoing rapid change, the mega-dam will end up as a costly white elephant. http://desmog.ca/2014/05/27/7-9-billion-dollar-question-is-site-c-dam-electricity-destined-lng-industry
East Coast Communities Worry The Next Crude Oil Derailment Could Be Close To Home
It may take more than a year before federal investigators can say what caused the derailment of 13 cars carrying crude oil from North Dakota in downtown Lynchburg, Virginia last month, but east coast communities don’t need an official report to imagine what a crude derailment could do in their town.
The Lynchburg accident, which sent three rail cars into the James River, where one exploded and spilled 30,000 gallons of crude oil into the waterway is just the latest in a string of dangerous accidents over the past few months. In the last year there have been nine such accidents, including an incident in January where oil tank cars derailed on a bridge in Philadelphia. http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/05/27/3441893/oil-derailment-east-coast/
Keystone XL new safety conditions don't alter economics
U.S. regulators impose new conditions on the projects after defects were detected in southern leg
According to a report by The Associated Press, the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has quietly added two new safety conditions to the TransCanada Corp. project: one requiring the company to hire a third-party contractor of the agency's chosing to monitor construction and another requiring it to adopt a quality management program.
The two conditions are on top of 57 others TransCanada agreed to three years ago. They came about after the safety agency learned about defects on the southern leg of the Keystone system, which started up in January, though a company spokesman said the two matters are not connected. http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/keystone-xl-new-safety-conditions-don-t-alter-economics-1.2655368 http://rt.com/usa/161900-pipeline-defects-conditions-keystone/
98 Crude Oil by Rail, Interactive Map http://priceofoil.org/rail-map/
New Report Outlines the Rise of Crude-by-Rail in North America
Today Oil Change International released the first major exposé of the burgeoning crude-by-rail industry in North America, detailing where crude trains are being loaded and unloaded, how many oil trains are crossing the North American continent, and what companies are involved.
“This analysis shows just how out of control the oil industry is in North America today. Regulators are unable to keep up with the industry’s expansion-at-any-cost mentality, and public safety is playing second fiddle to industry profits,” said Lorne Stockman, Research Director of Oil Change International and author of the report.
Today, one million barrels of crude oil per day is loaded and unloaded on the North American rail network, meaning roughly 135 trains of 100 cars each are moving dangerous crude oil each day through the continent. But if used at full capacity, existing loading and unloading terminals could handle 3.5 times more crude-by-rail traffic and by 2016 that capacity could grow to over 5 times current levels. http://priceofoil.org/2014/05/28/new-report-outlines-rise-crude-rail-north-america/
Pipelines vs. Rail: A False Choice
The truth is that crude-by-rail has grown in spite of, not because of, pipeline permitting delays. The industry is in fact simultaneously pushing both pipelines and increased crude-by-rail on the North American public.
In reality, suggesting there is a choice between pipelines or crude oil trains is a bit like suggesting that being hit by a bus or a truck is a valid choice. You lose either way.
Crude-by-rail is the preferred method for oil producers to ship oil out of the North Dakota Bakken oil field, over pipelines.
While there was interest from some North Dakotan oil producers to fill a small percentage of the pipeline’s capacity via a branch into North Dakota, interest has waned as rail has proven to be a more convenient option over pipelines. http://priceofoil.org/2014/05/27/pipelines-vs-rail-false-choice/
Huge explosion on Japanese oil tanker Embedded video
Captain missing and four crew severely burned, with 998-tonne Shoku Maru left gutted and leaning over in the water
A Japanese oil tanker has exploded off the country's south-west coast near Himeji port, leaving one of the eight people aboard missing, the country's coast guard has said. Four others were severely injured in the accident on Thursday.
99 Fire gutted the middle of the Shoko Maru – the 998-tonne tanker, based in the western city of Hiroshima, was left leaning over in the water after the accident and was being doused by firefighting ships. http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/may/29/huge-explosion-on-japanese-oil-tanker
"LOCKDOWN" Tar Sands Blockade vs. Keystone XL Pipeline http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9siVZrg8_n0
Storm Brewing: Permanent protest setup at proposed tar sands project in Utah
PR SPRINGS, UTAH--Land defenders have established a permanent protest vigil inside the boundaries of a planned tar sands strip mine in the Book Cliffs of Utah. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nh2FzK9X_P8&feature=share
Oil rig explodes in Oklahoma, at least one dead - Embedded video http://www.reuters.com/video/2012/09/05/demolished-building-in-france-gets-last? videoId=313128421&view=313128421&sp=117764
Rachel Maddow - Lawmakers help oil industry duck pollution liability Embedded video
Lt. Gen. Russel Honore, (ret.) talks with Rachel Maddow about how Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal and state legislators protected the oil and gas industry from being held accountable for pollution that has destroyed vital protective coastal wetlands. http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/watch/lawmakers-help-oil-industry-duck-liability- 270001219906
Desmond Tutu calls oilsands ‘filth’ created by greed in Fort McMurray speech
FORT MCMURRAY, Alta. — Anglican archbishop Desmond Tutu has called Alberta’s oilsands “filth” created by greed, and has urged all sides to work together to protect the environment and aboriginal rights.
“The fact that this filth is being created now, when the link between carbon emissions and global warming is so obvious, reflects negligence and greed,” Tutu told more than 200 rapt attendees a conference on oilsands development and treaty rights in Fort McMurray.
“The oilsands are emblematic of an era of high carbon and high-risk fuels that must end if we are committed to a safer climate.” http://news.nationalpost.com/2014/05/31/desmond-tutu-calls-oilsands-filth-created-by-greed-in-fort- mcmurray-speech/
100 New “Special Conditions” Placed on TransCanada Demonstrate Regulatory Negligence During KXL South Construction
Keystone would develop and implement a Quality Management System that would apply to the construction of the entire Keystone XL project in the U.S. to ensure that this pipeline is –from the beginning– built to the highest standards by both Keystone personnel and its many contractors; and
Keystone would hire an independent Third Party Inspection Company (TPIC) to monitor the construction of the Keystone XL project. PHMSA must approve the TPIC from among companies Keystone proposes. Keystone and PHMSA would work together to develop a scope of work to help ensure that all regulatory and technical EIS conditions are satisfied during the construction and commissioning of the pipeline project. The TPIC would oversee the execution and implementation of the DOS-specified conditions and the applicable pipeline safety regulations and would provide monitoring summaries to PHMSA and Keystone concurrently. Keystone would address deficiencies or risks identified in the TPIC’s assessments. http://www.tarsandsblockade.org/special-conditions/
Stop the Pipeline
The purpose of this type of promotion is to create valuble backlinks to resources that matter.
It is the backlinks that promote the websites within the search engines like google, bing and yahoo. The more we promote these pages the more public these backlinks become. http://www.reamuswilson.com/stopthepipelines/
Northern Gateway: A pipeline battle that’s only just begun
There’s only one way in and out of a small Wet’suwet’en camp located in a remote part of British Columbia’s Interior – a logging road and a single lane bridge.
Right now, though, a truck is parked in front of the bridge, blocking access to the rugged territory. The move is meant to keep out a host of unwanted visitors – including anyone who works for Enbridge Inc.
Natural gas or oil pipelines built in the area would threaten bear, moose and salmon populations, says Freda Huson, a leader of the Unist’ot’en – a “resistance camp” established by members of her clan – a small part of northern B.C.’s Wet’suwet’en people. To clearly stake their claim on the land, her group has built and occupied a camp and pit homes on the proposed route of Enbridge’s Northern Gateway pipeline south of Houston, B.C.
Although the challenges will go through a new streamlined legal process for challenging National Energy Board and cabinet decisions, a number of First Nations are promising to be unwavering in their opposition.
“We will bring you to court. We will be there for over 20 years,” said John Ridsdale, hereditary chief of the Wet’suwet’en First Nation. He promised Enbridge chief executive officer Al Monaco at the company’s annual general meeting earlier this month that his First Nation will “use all means at our disposal” to block the Northern Gateway project.
101 “The money that is invested in the Northern Gateway project will not be used,” he warned shareholders. http://m.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/industry-news/energy-and-resources/northern- gateway-a-pipeline-battle-thats-only-just-begun/article18933394/?service=mobile
102 Forestry
Ex-government scientists speaking out on policy issues
The former employees of the Department of Natural Resources have been increasingly vocal on issues ranging from wildlife enforcement to pesticide spraying to industrial forestry.
The recently unveiled forestry plan and the Alward government’s 25-year wood-supply agreement with J.D. Irving Ltd. has prompted some of the most detailed criticism. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/ex-government-scientists-speaking-out-on-policy- issues-1.2631945
Forestry backlash Two former DNR ministers spoke out against the Alward government's forestry plan http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Canada/NB/ID/2454656083/
PEOPLE’S ALLIANCE STATEMENT ON PROPOSED FORESTRY AGREEMENT
Since the Alward government’s recent release of their new Forestry Agreement the People’s Alliance of New Brunswick has been in discussion with stakeholders and listening to the opinions and concerns of the people of New Brunswick. As a result of these consultations we have many reservations about this agreement, and serious concerns that it falls far short of the expectations of residents or the needs of industry. Some of the numerous flaws in this agreement are as follows: http://www.peoplesalliancenb.com/media-releases/255-statement-on-proposed-forestry-agreement
Experts suggest that the Irving forestry accord is a bad deal for New Brunswick
At a protest of the Government - Irving forestry deal in F'ton on May 13th, 2014 Jean-Guy Comeau, Don Bowser, and Rod Cumberland were among the speakers who told an angry crowd that the deal must be scrapped. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-iKsXdGUYk&feature=youtu.be
The Great Resource Giveaway Part 2
On May 3, 2014, Charles Theriault explains the story of what is really happening in the New Brunswick forest industry. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OoXdCCHhDA
Hundreds protest Crown forestry deal outside legislature
New Brunswick's new 25-year Crown land forestry contract with J. D. Irving and other big forestry companies brought more than 300 protesters to the legislature building lawn in Fredericton Tuesday.
103 Environmentalists, woodlot owners, scientists, aboriginal people and supporters came from across the province to join the protest, called Jobs Don't Grow on Stumps.
"So every time you hear conservation forest, we're talking about deer yards, we're talking about buffer strips, we're talking about old-growth forest," said protester Rod Cumberland, a former provincial deer biologist. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/hundreds-protest-crown-forestry-deal-outside- legislature-1.2642289
184 professors demand halt to Crown forest policy - New Brunswick
Open letter written to Natural Resources Minister Paul Robichaud by New Brunswick academics
Academics from New Brunswick's four public universities and the Maritime College of Forest Technology are calling on the Alward government to immediately stop implementation of its new Crown forest policy. A new letter, signed by 184 professors and other academics in a wide variety of faculties ranging from arts to mathematics, calls for Natural Resources Minister Paul Robichaud to stop the process and revisit the strategy.
Wildlife ecologist Graham Forbes of the University of New Brunswick is one of 184 academics who are calling for the Alward government to halt implementation of its Crown forest policy (CBC) "We now appear to have a strategy which was formulated behind closed doors, has serious conservation shortcomings, has questionable socio-economic benefits for the public, limits the government's ability to shape future forest policy, and potentially compromises government's management oversight of the public forest," states the open letter to Robichaud. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/184-professors-demand-halt-to-crown-forest-policy- 1.2644958
Irving GREED Stickers Hit the Streets of Saint John https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IweLPAU5tXU&feature=player_embedded
New $3.2 million research lab to be constructed in Sussex
SUSSEX, NB, May 16, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Today federal, provincial, and J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) officials announced a new $3.2 million state-of-the-art laboratory in Sussex. The facility will be operated by Maritime Innovation Limited, a division of JDI. Building of the 7200-square-foot facility will begin in late May and will generate 36 direct and indirect construction jobs.
The project is the first large-scale advanced seedling plant in Canada that incorporates both the somatic embryogenesis process and Irving's patented Endophyte-Enhanced Seedling Technology that enhances the seedlings' natural tolerance of insect and fungal pests. Four million seedlings a year will be produced at the new Sussex facility. http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1357403/new-3-2-million-research-lab-to-be-constructed-in-sussex
104 Somatic embryogenesis
Somatic embryogenesis is a process where a plant or embryo is derived from a single somatic cell or group of somatic cells. Somatic embryos are formed from plant cells that are not normally involved in the development of embryos, i.e. ordinary plant tissue. No endosperm or seed coat is formed around a somatic embryo. Applications of this process include: clonal propagation of genetically uniform plant material; elimination of viruses; provision of source tissue for genetic transformation; generation of whole plants from single cells called protoplasts; development of synthetic seed technology. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somatic_embryogenesis
Propagating Trees using Somatic Embryogenesis
Somatic embryogenesis, a tissue culture method that allows the production of genetically identical trees, can replicate the favourable natural traits of the species.
Somatic embryogenesis, a type of vegetative reproduction, results in the production of an unlimited number of somatic embryos from a single seed that grow into genetically identical trees.
The most important advantage of tree propagation by SE is that embryogenic tissue can be stored indefinitely by cryopreservation. http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/science/story/1391
The dangers of genetically modified trees - David Suzuki https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w437uQf_A7c&feature=player_embedded
Court quashes timber grant to Western Forest Products for not consulting First Nation band
The B.C. Supreme Court has quashed a Ministry of Forests decision to grant close to one million cubic metres of timber on northwest Vancouver Island to Western Forest Products without consulting a First Nation band.
The province had a duty to consult with the band before its April 2013 decision, Justice William Ehrcke said in a decision released Thursday. Because that did not happen, that allocation decision is void, he ruled.
“I think this really opens the door to consultation,” Ehattesaht First Nation Coun. Lyle Billy said, responding to the decision.
“The big logging companies like Western Forest Products are going to have to sit down with the Nations in the territory that they are logging. There is no other way around it now. I think we opened those doors for other Nations.” http://warriorpublications.wordpress.com/2014/05/16/court-quashes-timber-grant-to-western-forest- products-for-not-consulting-first-nation-band/
105 Hundreds rally to oppose JD Irving-NB government plan for the forest
Fredericton – Hundreds of people converged on the New Brunswick Legislature lawn on May 13 to oppose the province’s forestry plan and a contract signed with JD Irving, which they say will benefit the province’s largest Crown land license holder but will harm the forest, woodlot owners, other forest users and forest-dependent communities. Tree discs were placed on the lawn to create the visual effect of stumps in a clearcut. A banner read, “Jobs Don’t Grow on Stumps.” http://nbmediacoop.org/2014/05/20/hundreds-rally-to-oppose-jd-irving-nb-government-plan-for-the- forest/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=canfa&utm_content=5+- +Hundreds+rally+to+oppose+JD+IrvingNB+gov&utm_campaign=forest&source=forest
Democracy Watch compares handling of J.D. Irving Ltd. deal to failed attempt to sell NB Power
The advocacy group Democracy Watch says it is not too late for the New Brunswick government to abandon an agreement with forestry giant J.D. Irving Ltd. and send it out for public hearings.
The agreement with J.D. Irving Ltd. offers increased access to wood from Crown land in exchange for future investment and jobs.
Duff Conacher, a co-founder of Democracy Watch, a group that pushes for government accountability and democratic reform, called the forestry agreement with J.D. Irving Ltd. a misstep in a series of missteps. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/j-d-irving-forestry-deal-needs-public-input-group-says- 1.2649549
J.D. Irving pushing forestry deal with media blitz
University of New Brunswick economist questions whether forestry deal may be in jeopardy
Moir said the forestry company may be showing its fear that the deal could be scuttled before it's finalized in July.
CBC News has made multiple requests for an interview with Natural Resources Minister Paul Robichaud over the past several weeks. He has denied the repeated requests. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/j-d-irving-pushing-forestry-deal-with-media-blitz- 1.2650523
The story of New Brunswick's forests
The residents of Kedgwick and surrounding small communities are all rough hewn second and third generation descendants of settlers who dragged their wives and children here hoping to carve out an existence from the then abundant forest. Tenaciously, by the sweat of their brow, they managed to build a community for themselves. Small and medium sized businesses sprouted everywhere, work was abundant and people prospered. But today the community is struggling to survive, forest workers must take on huge loans to finance machinery to get hired by the JDI owned mill.
106 This story is similar to almost all communities in this province. Historically, New Brunswick was forged into existence because it's forest and up until the late 1970's, it's forest was the main economic engine that drove the economies of most of its communities.. However that all changed as of 1980.
It is interesting to note that former premier Frank McKenna is today chairman of the board of Brookfield Asset Management, which owns Twin Rivers, of which Bud Bird is still a director. Also J.D. Irving is the largest holder of Crown licenses in the province. https://monctonfreepress.ca/post/13706
Series of logging cuts in Kings County troubles neighbours
Officials from J.D. Irving Ltd. and the Department of Natural Resources say all rules were followed
From Hardie's vantage point, the cut stretches out in all directions. Small piles of branches and chips hint at what grew there, species like poplar, birch and pine. In some areas of steep terrain, whole trees were cut and left where they fell.
Between October 2012 and October 2013, contractors working on behalf of J.D. Irving Ltd. cut 562 hectares here, or approximately 5.6 square kilometres.
According to company officials most of the terrain was clear cut, 392 hectares, while 170 hectares was cut using two forms of selective logging. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/series-of-logging-cuts-in-kings-county-troubles- neighbours-1.2651918
The Irvings Clear-Cutting in Crown Land https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1zRpyaYYAo&feature=youtu.be&a
107 Video Links
Coughing up Coal via LinkTV http://www.linktv.org/earthfocus http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0YjtRcd61U
Dedicated to all anti frackers love anonymous https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTB-xW62iZU&feature=player_embedded
Stepping up for the climate: Kenora, ON https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1OyFBZSxnU
Fractured Country - An Unconventional Invasion, Lock the Gate Alliance (Australia) http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=XrE7LzZCn1E
True Colors : Idle No More Winnipeg https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=9wg_oqDdh8o
Kelly Derrickson - Idle No More Music Video (Official HD)
A number of video clips of evvironmental devaststion https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-SAHaKkBOg
Dryden - The Small Town that Changed the Fracking Game https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qxh7f3WJlc
All Hail Marcellus Shale
The background sound on this webpage is the actual sound this particular gas well was making while it was photographed (See photo of flared well above) http://www.marcellus-shale.us/ALL-HAIL_MARCELLUS-SHALE.htm
108 Drums of the Great Bear - Historic Gathering Against Enbridge in Prince Rupert http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwqGP2Pztt4&feature=youtu.be
Information Morning Shale gas concerns Dr. Eilish Cleary
Dr. Eilish Cleary, the chief medical officer of health in New Brunswick, discusses a new report into the development of the shale gas industry in Canada http://www.cbc.ca/player/Radio/Local+Shows/Maritimes/ID/2454682037/
Unist'ot'en https://vimeo.com/92495187
Oil Companies Plead Guilty to Burnaby Oil Spill http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6xXAlsLFhs
Barnet Highway Oil Spill - July 24, 2007 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIYjIitKnKk
Enbridge Northern Gateway flyover Misleads the public https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3vxhnan_ZA&feature=youtu.be
Koch Brothers Are The Largest Foreign Lease Holder of Canadian Oil Sands https://www.facebook.com/groups/132079906855023/
Bentley Blockade - The Medium is the Message. AU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAGhO_Hf60s&feature=player_embedded
"STRAIT UP CRAZY" - Embridge Kalamazopop river dilbit spill https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uE4U-0Yt5zw
Yoko Ono and Artists Against Fracking Find Out What Fracking Has Done to Pennsylvania https://vimeo.com/58660040
109 Penobsquis - The industrialization of a rural community https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7dIud8FQ3U
Video: A flyover of the Northern Gateway pipeline route http://www.theprovince.com/Video+flyover+Northern+Gateway+pipeline+route/9828071/story.html http://cdnapi.kaltura.com/p/1698541/sp/169854100/playManifest/entryId/0_277g1d3w/flavorId/0_f82avp 2l/format/url/protocol/http/a.mp4?ks=djJ8MTY5ODU0MXzk5- 5shR4zJD9dSWQPTJtYFFtjUT351p1Ktm3FBhffoQhg8C6I3vReVXkVzYJAawYFwd4U8sE_QCR43qas oWYGGpOeO1rCcJpNeexVKU2Ruw==&referrer=aHR0cDovL3d3dy50aGVwcm92aW5jZS5jb20=&clie ntTag=html5:v2.7&
Experts suggest that the Irving forestry accord is a bad deal for New Brunswick https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-iKsXdGUYk&feature=youtu.be
The Great Resource Giveaway Part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSf7TM6IcGk
The Great Resource Giveaway Part 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OoXdCCHhDA
The Great Resource Giveaway Part 3 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjHybFQjAvk&feature=player_embedded
The Great Resource Giveaway Part 4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQv6C_6YAeQ
RESIST
The Unist'oten Call to the Land is a documentary film that visits the fourth annual Environmental Action Camp, hosted on unceded Wet'suwet'en territory by the Unist’ot’en(C'ihlts'ehkhyu/Big Frog) clan. https://vimeo.com/74788986
110 Don Bowser asks the question: Who is running the province? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9Z9nI1DKoE&feature=player_embedded
Kinder Morgan Training Drill On River Attracts Naysayers http://www.cfjctv.com/story.php?id=19489 http://www.cfjctv.com/video/MAY14_KINDER.m4v
LA Oil Spill Spews Crude Into Streets http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOr3rQSIed4
Los Angeles Oil Spill Sends 10,000 Gallons Of Crude Into City Streets http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuQ9I-38muU
No Tar Sands, No Fracking, No Line 9! - National Day of Action https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJReKO522XU
Moyers & Company - Full Show: The War on Climate Scientists Embedded video http://billmoyers.com/episode/full-show-the-war-on-climate-scientists/
Irving GREED Stickers Hit the Streets of Saint John https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IweLPAU5tXU&feature=player_embedded
Monty Python Explains Occupy Wall St. in 3 Minutes http://www.filmsforaction.org/watch/monty_python_explains_occupy_wall_st_in_3_minutes/ http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=5Xd_zkMEgkI
Years of Living Dangerously Premiere Full Episode
Hollywood celebrities and respected journalists span the globe to explore the issues of climate change and cover intimate stories of human triumph and tragedy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brvhCnYvxQQ
111 Dr. Jerome A. Paulson Pittsburgh Presentation May 17, 2014 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WCTxBDV98g&feature=player_embedded
Unconventional Gas / Coal Seam Gas - Collateral Damage https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IAoJfmRISg
Howarth Ingraffea methane briefing - May 7 2014 - Drs. Ingraffea and Howarth https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2FTM7TA0uQ&feature=player_embedded
Chevron's legacy of pollution and death in Ecuador [Short Documentary) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0OtHAQtlzs&feature=share
Erin Steuter. The harm of media monopoly.
Prof Erin Steuter explains the harm caused by the Irvings... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gu3ogIAk5ow&feature=player_embedded
Anonymous Operation Green Rights https://vimeo.com/96142062
You have to see it to believe it: What it's like to have fracking in your backyard http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfYeRr6gIAA&feature=player_embedded
Activists hold "Frack Off" protest against Christy Clark's LNG projects http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=biKFcTewZkE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Srw79T_FLlY&feature=player_embedded
Texas Oil wellhead explosion kills two, injures nine http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSKO2zdPQPs
112 We Are The People We've Been Waiting For http://vimeo.com/8311189
Brigette DePape @ May 23 'Frack Off' LNG Demo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kRf2aKDg20&feature=youtu.be
Où va le monde ? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bmDVEBMmgg
Film Exposes Harsh Reality of Living Amid North Dakota’s Oil Boom Embedded video
North Dakota is the fastest growing state in the U.S., but a recent video exposes why some will want to stay away from the Great Plains state. http://ecowatch.com/2014/03/12/film-north-dakotas-oil-boom/ http://vimeo.com/82246373
Our Nationhood National Film Board of Canada Alanis Obomsawin
In this feature documentary, Aboriginal filmmaker and artist Alanis Obomsawin chronicles the determination and tenacity of the Listuguj Mi'gmaq people to use and manage the natural resources of their traditional lands. https://www.nfb.ca/film/our_nationhood
Oil executive son's powerful testimony at Enbridge Northern Gateway http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1X3VynNZQaQ&feature=youtu.be
Colorado 4 MILE LONG Landslide @ FRACKING operation Embedded videos http://dutchsinse.tatoott1009.com/5272014-4-mile-long-landslide-at-colorado-fracking-operation/ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1o9cvLE66ps&feature=player_embedded http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJbLEX432ns&feature=player_embedded http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXHmx5qnVRg&feature=player_embedded
113 "LOCKDOWN" Tar Sands Blockade vs. Keystone XL Pipeline http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9siVZrg8_n0
The Irvings Clear-Cutting in Crown Land https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1zRpyaYYAo&feature=youtu.be&a
Project Power (2014) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfvsN11q0u0&feature=youtu.be
Storm Brewing: Permanent protest setup at proposed tar sands project in Utah
PR SPRINGS, UTAH--Land defenders have established a permanent protest vigil inside the boundaries of a planned tar sands strip mine in the Book Cliffs of Utah. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nh2FzK9X_P8&feature=share
David Petraeus Speaks to North Dakota National Guard on 4/29/14 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-l3k1YT-uc0
Oil rig explodes in Oklahoma, at least one dead - Embedded video http://www.reuters.com/video/2012/09/05/demolished-building-in-france-gets-last? videoId=313128421&view=313128421&sp=117764
Thoughts on The Missing & Murdered-Audrey Siegl http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOigyWtaJAo&feature=youtu.be
Rachel Maddow - Lawmakers help oil industry duck pollution liability Embedded video
Lt. Gen. Russel Honore, (ret.) talks with Rachel Maddow about how Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal and state legislators protected the oil and gas industry from being held accountable for pollution that has destroyed vital protective coastal wetlands. http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/watch/lawmakers-help-oil-industry-duck-liability- 270001219906
114 Protesters march against shale gas http://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=373748&binId=1.1145463&playlistPageNum=1
The Door to Hell - Turkmenistan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyiIBY6GO1Q
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