Farouk Shami Challenges Bill White on Barnett Shale Drilling
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Farouk Shami Challenges Bill White on Barnett Shale Drilling
HOUSTON- Yesterday, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) released data from their study on pollution in the Barnett Shale which shows over one-quarter of all test sites had levels of benzene that could pose a public health risk. There were two in particular with extraordinarily high levels of benzene. This testing conclusively proves once and for all that the outrage by grassroots groups and local officials is completely justified and that this drilling ought to stop immediately.
"We need an immediate moratorium on drilling in the Barnett Shale until the natural gas companies can conclusively show their drilling will not have a negative impact on the public health of those people living in the area. We can always drill later, but you cannot cure the cancer these chemicals can cause."
This position places Farouk directly in opposition with Bill White who stated on a trip to north Texas that he opposed such a moratorium. The Fort Worth Star Telegram Reported on January 19th that White said, "Companies ought to be able to conduct fracturing operations and completions of gas wells in responsible fashions that don't lead to emissions," he said. "If there are elevated levels of benzene, there ought to be actions taken at the wellhead . . . and technology does allow that to be done."
Farouk responds to Mayor White's position, "The natural gas production companies have continually claimed they are not polluting the air and groundwater. This evidence conclusively proves they have been misleading the public. To continue to trust them, like Mayor White asks, is to allow the foxes to guard the chicken coup."
Farouk calls on Mayor White to come out on the record calling for a moratorium on drilling immediately. Furthermore, he urges the grassroots opposition to seriously consider who they will support for governor.
"I stand with the people against the large companies and special interests. I am self financing my campaign, so I am no beholden to anybody but the voters of Texas. I am the only candidate in this race with a plan to transition Texas into a green, clean, renewable energy production capitol."
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