FIRST TODAY, I BRING YOU THE HEARTRENDING STORY of a man who has labored all his life to achieve his heart’s desire, a lovely home in Denton, Texas, a Dallas suburb, only to learn it was facing the desecration of a fracking water tower in the neighborhood. (For water supply, not actual fracking.) It is especially tragic to learn that the family most deeply concerned is that of Exxon CEO Rex Tillerson, a man who has sacrificed so much in his efforts to solve America’s energy problems.
The story becomes all the more painful when it is learned that this also affects one of Tillerson’s neighbors in Denton, former Congressman Dick Armey, who also emotionally protested the project.
Some will remember Armey’s prior noble efforts and gallant stands on behalf of the environment with his organization FreedomWorks. Among his varied efforts, as reported by Lee Fang in April 2009, the following may rekindle memories.
“The leader of FreedomWorks, Dick Armey, who is ranked as one of DC’s top ‘hired guns,’ is a corporate lobbyist with a history of directing FreedomWorks to support the goals of his lobbying clients. Armey has been the Koch brothers’ lobbyist on Capitol Hill. His is a long list of battles, including organizing against health care reform and deregulating reforms in life insurance.”
But of greatest relevance is the following: “Currently, FreedomWorks is focusing their energy activism on supporting the status quo reliance on fossil fuels.”
Back to Rex Tillerson, head of ExxonMobile, the most powerful and profitable oil company in the world, a man whose total personal take last year was more than $40 million. From Greenpeace’s Polluter Watch, July 2012: “Tillerson and Exxon have a clear record of attack upon anyone and anything that might influence the profitability of fracking, an integral and expanding element in Exxon’s current drilling repertoire.”
Dramatic case in point: Tillerson’s attack on filmmaker Josh Fox in a speech to the Council on Foreign Relations, testimony that featured numerous mistruths that Fox’s newest film, “The Sky is Pink,” address.
“Tillerson: ‘There’s nothing new in what we’re doing, and we’ve been hydraulically refracturing (sic) wells in large numbers since the 1960s … first developed in 1940. So this is an old technology just being applied, integrated with some new technologies. So the risks are very manageable.’
“Because of advances in drilling technology, fracking is now done on a scale that would be unimaginable to anyone in 1960, including Rex Tillerson. Today’s fracking is nothing like the fracking done in earlier decades, and this new technology poses risks that have not been fully explored, much less mitigated.”
It is, in fact, playing with complex environmental realities whose relationships are not fully understood and whose impacts could potentially be catastrophic.
And it is interesting that the use of water in fracking is so casually accepted. Consider the following from Sourcewatch on fracking and water consumption:
“Water is by far the largest component of fracking fluids. According to driller Chesapeake Energy, an initial drilling operation itself may consume from 6,000 to 600,000 gallons of fracking fluids, but over its lifetime an average well may require up to an additional 5 million gallons of water for full operation and possible restimulation frac jobs.
“A 2009 report on modern shale gas by the Groundwater Protection Council, ‘Modern Shale Gas Development in the United States: A Primer,’ stated that ‘(t)he amount of water needed to drill and fracture a horizontal shale gas well generally ranges from about 2 million to 4 million gallons, depending on the basin and formation characteristics.’ The extraction of so much water for fracking has raised concerns about the ecological impacts to aquatic resources, as well as dewatering of drinking water aquifers.”
I would add that the water for this process is injected with many hundreds of different and very powerful chemicals — very few of which one would want to maintain a personal relationship with! On this more next week.
A fascinating bit in this drama is an open letter to Tillerson from former executive vice president and operating officer for exploration and producing for Mobil Oil, before its merger with Exxon, Lou Allstadt. I quote most of this eloquent letter in closing because it appears to me to sum up the situation beautifully, particularly in its comment about the people (in great numbers!) unable to move away from close vicinity to fracking and its dangers. These, by the way, are living up close and personal with the actual drilling, its noise, smells and confusions, not merely that water tower imperiling the tranquility of Tillerson and Armey.
“Dear Rex,
“We have never met, but I worked for your company for six months immediately after the ExxonMobil merger, the implementation of which I coordinated from the Mobil side. That was after thirty years with Mobil Oil Corporation. … I now live in upstate New York. For the past five years, I have been actively trying to keep your company and the rest of the industry from fracking here. I understand from several press articles that you have fracking issues of your own, with a fracking water tower and truck traffic possibly detracting from your view and the value of your home.
“In response to the prospect of fracking ruining our communities, many New York towns have passed zoning laws that prohibit heavy industry, including any activities associated with drilling for oil and gas. Those laws, along with very little prospect for economic gas production in New York, mean that we probably will not have to look at fracking water towers, let alone live next to fracking well pads. I say probably, because your industry is still fighting those zoning laws in the courts.
“Ironically, your reasoning at the Bartonville, Texas town council meetings is virtually identical to the reasoning that I and many other citizens used to convince our local town councils to pass laws that prohibit the very problem you have encountered, plus all of the other infrastructure and waste disposal issues associated with fracking.
“No one should have to live near well pads, compression stations, incessant heavy truck traffic, or fracking water towers, nor should they have their water or air contaminated. You and I love the places where we live, but in the end, if they are ruined by fracking or frack water tanks, we can afford to pack up and go someplace else. However, many people can’t afford to move away when they can no longer drink the water or breathe the air because they are too close to one of your well pads or compressor stations.” (Italics mine.)
“My efforts to prevent fracking started over water — not the prospect of having to see a water tank from my home, but rather regulations that would allow gas wells near our sources of drinking water, in addition to well pads next to our homes, schools, hospitals and nursing homes. These issues are legitimate, but they are localized. I am now much more concerned with the greenhouse gas impacts of fossil fuels in general, and particularly the huge impact of methane emissions from natural gas production and transportation. These are global problems that local zoning cannot protect against. Only a major shift toward renewable energy sources can begin to mitigate their catastrophic climate impacts.
“Before closing, I should explain why I have referred to ExxonMobil as ‘your company.’ For several years after retiring I thought of ExxonMobil as ‘my company.’ I thought that the company’s rigor and discipline in investing in sound projects was as good as it gets, and ExxonMobil was my largest single investment. I no longer own any shares of ExxonMobil or any other fossil fuel company. I would prefer to be an early investor in alternative energy for the 21st century rather than hanging on to dwindling prospects for investments in 19th- and 20th-century fossil fuels.
“It is time that ExxonMobil started shifting away from oil and gas, and toward alternatives — both for environmental reasons and to protect the long-term viability of the company. Good luck with that fracking water tank. I hope you don’t have to move, and also that you will help a lot of other people stay in the homes they love.
“Regards, Lou Allstadt”
Next week: A closer look at fracking dangers which, very clearly, are just beginning to be grasped, understood — and feared.
Jerome Page is a Benicia resident.
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Great article. The irony and hypocrisy of the CEO of Exxon suing to prevent a fracking facility from his vicinity is so egregious that it is not even laughable. Rick Santorum refused to drink water from a well near a fracking site in PA during the primaries – another example of hypocrisy (if the water’s ok, why not take a sip, Ricky?). The comment about clinging onto a 19th and 20th century energy source was spot on…one of the few times in our history that we were not in the forefront of seeking new technologies in anything. Europe is far, far ahead of us in this area and will remain so as long as the oil companies run Congress. And so, I am not anti-fossil fuel (directed to you-know-who); what I a is pro-research in new technologies to prepare for the end of a FUNGIBLE resource – if not in our lifetime, in that of our grandchildren.
jfurlong stated:The irony and hypocrisy of the CEO of Exxon suing to prevent a fracking facility from his vicinity is so egregious that it is not even laughable.
Good point!
Reminds me the late Senator Ted Kennedy who was all in favor of alternative energy, but fought tooth and nail to keep wind turbines from being built on the shores (or offshore), because he did not want to look at them while sailing on his multi-million dollar yacht.
What does Kennedy have to do with fracking? Quit changing the subject.
Kennedy was like many pro alternative people in that they are all for it unless it inconveniences their lifestyle
Tillerson and Armey are like many pro fossil fuel people Kennedy was like many pro alternative people in that they are all for it unless it inconveniences their lifestyle
I’ll agree with that
To rephrase …
Tillerson and Armey are like many pro fossil fuel people in that they are all for it unless it inconveniences their lifestyle.
From the piece: Dick Armey, who is ranked as one of DC’s top ‘hired guns,’ is a corporate lobbyist with a history of directing FreedomWorks to support the goals of …the Koch brothers’
Where would progressives be without the Koch Brothers upon which to place blame for all they fear in the world?
The piece linked below summarizes how deep the hatred of the Koch brothers really is:
According to most entrenched and committed liberals in the United States, including the diminished mainstream media, the Koch Brothers are the greatest evil since the Death Star and Darth Vader, and they represent everything that is wrong with democracy.
”God Bless the Koch Brothers”
“Where would progressives be without the Koch Brothers …?”
Happily living in a better world, just like everyone else.
I love the Koch brothers and am living in paradise right now. Go get em DDL. We need more fracking not less.
You’ll suck at the teat of any rich person. You are not a reliable judge of character.
Fracking is dead in California. Your dream is dead. You’ll just have to figure out a new way to ruin the world.
Sorry HANK fracking has been going on in California for over 60 years. It will continue with cooperation from regulators, Liberals, Conservatives, Silcon Valley and scientist. Hank just keep up with the news and it woukl have answered your statement. Sorry to bring you all this very good news but for sure very sad news for you Liberals. Side comment Hank the Liberals are going to lose the Senate. Like to hear your take not just an opinion. Glad to see you back commenting.
Sorry BOB the writing is on the wall.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/21/us-california-fracking-moratorium-idUSBREA1K23620140221
Why would this state pursue or expand the use of an extraction method that both uses copious amounts of water AND causes earthquakes? Makes no sense, which I suppose is why you’re for it.
Side comment Bob, the liberals are going to keep, and possibly expand, their supermajority in California and Jerry Brown is going to win by 30 points. So keep enjoying sunny liberal California.
“Like to hear your take not just an opinion.” I have no idea what this means and I suspect neither do you.
As the article says the bill faces long odds. It will never pass. Fracking with all the co-operation of all parties will go forward. You never made a comment on the US Senate which the Liberals will lose. Not so fAST on the state upper and lower house. Yes the Republicans could lose their present position but the Liberals getting a super majority is again a long shot even though it will take just a few wins. But at the same time they are going to have a few loses. Just try the inland empire and the S J valley for starters. You did take a safe road on the California majorities but willlnot step into the the US Senate. Maybe your friend Will has all the answers.
Dems are looking good in the Inland Empire. They will retain and possibly expand their supermajority. I notice you avoided talking about Jerry B. He will crush whatever sad sack the Republicans put up against him. Will be fun to watch. Love living in beautiful liberal California.
I question your thinking on the inl;and empire, you could be right but I still am not sure where the libs will pick up seats to hold super majority. At present they do not have it and the two members that are in hot water will lose. As far as JB goes there is no need to discuss it. The US Senate you are still avoiding. Just give me your opinion. I do concede on all state elected officials and also the upper and lower holding majority’s but not super majority’s. Yes fracking will continue to be a big part of fossil fuel not only in California but all over the US as it is now. No need for further discuss on that subject unless you want to deny Ca. the gold to solve all budget issues. It is going forward. Get on board. Sorry Mr. Page and Hank fracking will not be stopped. Just cooperation between both sides of the issue as it presantly is doing and moving forward. It is happening and will not stop.
Frackibg is dead in California. Opposition is rising and will not stop. You will see, if you’re with us that long.
“If you’re with us that long.”. Do you plan to eliminate me? I consider that a very childish remark from a Liberal Socialist school yard bully that is just full of words and fluff. Amother Putin type remark. Upset about fracking that he appears to be against for no reason at all. Maybe he wants everyone to think he is an Enviro Greenie. I will bet he is for the CSC propoall on the integration of the PG&E grid. Narrow and uninformed thinking. Fracking is happening and will happen in California with co-operation from all parties. Get up to date. .Sound thinking beats emotion everytime. Your playing the wrong hand in the wrong game.
Tracking is a dead end, like most of your ideas. Watch out for cracks in the sidewalk.
That is, fracki g
Ugh, commenting in this format could be easier. Maybe Bob isn’t as illiterate as he seems, after all.
Nah.
Putin — you mean the conservative hero, Bob?
Hank I suggest you fiollow the news and make your comments accordingly. All you do is ask questions of the opposition on nothing of importance. I like to go back and forth but not a silly question debate. Make confirmed comments and state your positions.
I’d rather poke holes in your ridiculous, uninformed opinions Bob, since you feel the need to pollute our marketplace of ideas with them. And it’s been a pleasure.
Hank I will respect any fact or opinion if you will make one that is backed up with polls or facts. Try the US Senate in 2014 first. You are avoiding answering that question. Polls suggest the Republicans will or can take the Senate back. Opinion which is or can become a fact. The opinion will become fact if and when that happens. If not it will just go away as an opinion that never becomes fact. Apply that opinion/fact to the Senate and you will now have a clear line to the Keystone pipline which clearly means fracking is here to stay. Get your comprehension hat on and go at it. No more silly questions. Just trying to help the comment section along Hank. Join in.
“backed up with polls or facts”
Ha! The next poll you cite will be the first. As for facts, you wouldn’t know one if it bit you on your wrinkled ass. Stop avoiding the topic of state races. Your team is in permanent decline. When you die Bob the Republicans will lose a huge chunk of their support. The five remaining octogenarians in their camp will be very lonely and scared and will move to Utah where they belong.
More confusing name calling from apparently a blind peeking Tom. Now Hank you just gave away your habits. Not so flattering at all. Now can you make a comment without calling someone a name.
More information on Rex—
An excerpt from the article below for Mr. Page and the wider community to consider…
“There is something more about Rex W. Tillerson. He’s proud of his association with the Boy Scouts. He’s a former Eagle Scout and was president of the national Boy Scouts of America. (Both the Boy Scouts and ExxonMobil have their headquarters in Irving, Texas.)”
“Part of the Scout Oath is to “do your duty to God and your country.” A partial interpretation of that is “by working for your country’s good and obeying its laws, you do your duty to your country.” Within the past six months, ExxonMobil has paid more than $5 million in fines and penalties for not obeying the country’s laws.”
http://dissidentvoice.org/2014/03/no-merit-badge-for-this-scout/
Stop it Will. Have you ever paid a fine for A Speeding ticket or any other violatiion that has a fine? Will many people will not qualify as Boy Scouts.. Sorry Will just more goofy talk from you..