Rep. Sestak Asks For Federal Oversight of Marcellus Shale Gas Wells
1 min readBy Tim Hallman
Rep. Joe Sestak recently sent a letter to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), asking that the Federal government step in to help regulate the drilling of the Marcellus Shale reserves after the recent explosion at a gas well in Clearfield County.
“This accident highlights the significant dangers of these drilling operations, which are expanding in Pennsylvania at an unprecedented rate and scale. Proper regulations are not in place to manage them and protect the public,” Sestak wrote in a letter to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson.
Officials believe the accident in Cleafield County was a result of a failed blowout prevention device, the same type of device that failed in the BP oil rig in the Gulf.
Amidst a campaign for the Pennsylvania Governor’s seat, Sestak appeared to be taking a jab at opponent Pat Toomey, as he likened the need for regulation of the Marcellus Shale play to the need to regulate Wall Street.
“Recent events, from the tragic oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico to the fraudulent activity that contributed to the collapse on Wall Street, have reminded us all that we cannot depend on industry to police itself when our quality of life, present and future, is at stake,” wrote Sestak.
Mr. Sestak should “come clean” about the Obama administration trying to bribe him out of the senate race against Snarlin’ Arlen, by offering him a federal job to get out…
I agree. Politics as usual they say, but I think he should come clean also. If he’s willing to just dismiss questions on the matter while running for Senate, what is he capable of covering up once elected? I’m surprised this issue hasn’t negatively affected him more than it has.