Friday, April 22, 2011

What is he thinking?

I wonder how Gov Otter sees the world, sometimes.

Idaho's newly rejuvenated Oil and Gas Commission, composed solely of the same elected officials as the Land Board, just voted to accept a hearing officer's recommendations in their entirety, no changes. They rejected a request by the Idaho Conservation League to include a rule that the developers can't inject fracking fluids that contain carcinogens.

Now, gee, that just seems like the most common-sense, reasonable rule ever, to me. Don't inject carcinogens into the ground where they could end up in a drinking water supply. But no, there is apparently no need for such a rule because
Kim Parsons, Bridge Resources’ explorations manager, said the rules as written and the company’s own practices will ensure its very limited fracking poses no threat to groundwater.
In other words, trust us, we won't do it, there's nothing to see here, move along. And that's good enough for the Commission.

Here's the part that makes me wonder what the Governor is thinking. BSU Radio reported that after the hearing, Otter turned to Justin Hayes of the ICL and said "Keep an eye on 'em." Hayes reportedly replied, "We could use a little help." The Commission totally rejects the ICL's proposals, but then Otter asks them to remain vigilant. I dunno; just seems odd to me. Diss a guy, reject his help, then ask for his help.

No comments: