Silence is Golden When You Can’t Think of a Good Answer
'Just because Krancer and Gov. Tom Corbett don’t like the questions I’m asking on behalf of my constituents, is it justification to ignore an elected representative and more importantly, the people whose lives are being impacted?'
This week, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Democratic Policy Committee hosted a hearing in Washington County to examine the Department of Environmental Protection’s accountability standards regarding environmental testing following natural gas drilling.
Noticeably absent from the hearing was anyone from the DEP itself, which is unfortunate on multiple levels.
I sent a letter to DEP Secretary Michael Krancer asking for someone from his agency to come and testify to help the public better understand how DEP conducts air and water testing near drilling areas. A DEP spokeswoman issued a statement saying the agency would not engage in ‘political theater,’ even though Krancer had testified before the same committee multiple times in the past on DEP’s approach to Marcellus Shale issues.
The response was unusual and more than a little insulting. The Policy Committee is made up of about 90 state legislators from every corner of Pennsylvania—the committee conducts informational hearings on issues in different parts of the state on a regular basis. I have hosted policy hearings in the past on issues such as access to rural health care and property tax reassessment reform, and there have never been any problems.
So what was the DEP’s refusal to show up really all about?
I have been trying to get very specific answers from DEP for months now with no success. When it broke in the national media that DEP was withholding certain information from water tests near drilling sites using a system of computer codes, I asked the DEP for an explanation. Krancer responded by leveling attacks in the media, but failed to answer the questions. I tried again by sending him another letter on Dec. 5 asking 10 very specific questions about DEP’s approach in order to keep the focus on the issues instead of personal attacks. To date, I have not received any sort of answer to that letter.
To make matters worse, we recently learned DEP had developed a specific test for water quality testing near Marcellus Shale drilling sites, and not only had they never once used it, but they never even told anyone about it. How the DEP can say they answered my concerns while leaving out that information is ridiculous and insulting to anyone paying attention.
So now the DEP is trying to portray my efforts to get some answers as "political theater" in a clear attempt to minimize the entire issue, but that’s a cheap smokescreen. If Krancer could really answer my simple questions and wanted to shut me up, why not just show up and put me in my place by answering our questions? (Remember, this is the guy who went to extraordinary lengths to refuse releasing the air testing data from Cornerstone Care because the DEP claimed it would be better for the public not to know what they found).
Let me put it another way: Would it be acceptable if there were a potentially dangerous condition on a state roadway and representatives from PennDOT refused to show up and even discuss it? The public would be outraged, and with good reason, so why is this any different?
This is what we do as legislators; when we hear from our constituents that the bureaucracy of state government isn’t doing its job, we step in and try to untangle the red tape. We do it every day with departmentssuch as Labor and Industry, PENNDOT and the Department of Public Welfare. By comparison, we haven’t been able to get anyone from DEP to return a single constituent call in months now, which is just inexcusable.
Just because Krancer and Gov. Tom Corbett don’t like the questions I’m asking on behalf of my constituents, is it justification to ignore an elected representative and more importantly, the people whose lives are being impacted?
In the grown-up world, we have to work with people we may not necessarily like; in government, you quickly learn to respect the office even if you may not care for the person occupying it at the moment.
I have done everything I could think of to work with the DEP in a rational manner, but they have made it very clear they have no interest in responding in any way whatsoever. I have and will continue to look for ways to work with the DEP in a rational and professional manner, but the ball is in their court to be open about their policies and procedures. In the meantime, I have constituents coming to me every day with very legitimate questions based on very real and very disturbing experiences they’ve had with the DEP. So I’m going to keep fighting for the answers we all deserve; I was elected to represent my constituents and I intend to continue doing so.
This isn’t about me; it’s about the taxpayers who pay the salaries of Governor Corbett, Secretary Krancer and every staffer at the DEP. It’s about basic honesty and accountability on an issue impacting more Pennsylvanians every day. And for those who think this is some anti-drilling issue, think again. Most of the people who approach me are leaseholders who are very pro-drilling, but they want to know the DEP is making sure it’s being done ‘the right way’.
So if DEP is doing their job, it’s time they prove it. And the single best way to do that is to give the people the real answers they deserve. When I think about the DEP’s refusal to answer some very straightforward questions about whether or not they’re doing their job by protecting us, I am reminded of a quote from Muhammad Ali: “Silence is golden when you can’t think of a good answer.”If so, DEP Secretary Krancer should be locked up in Fort Knox.
Roger
6:03 am on Thursday, February 21, 2013
The agenda published long before the meeting did not include an entry for the DEP.
Continuing the rhetoric about the DEP not showing up, yet only filling the agenda with other voices is disingenuous, and makes the Committee look foolish.
The Committee may have a great procedure in holding hearings to gather information. But, the Committee has no authority, holds no power, and is granted nothing for action. It is a political entity, solely of one of the political parties of PA. The Committee is a "birds of the feather" group, and that is fine. But, the DEP owes the Committee nothing. It is their choice to be part of a political gathering, or not. The power still lies with the votes.
The meeting was one of three the Committee held in the area. The Committee did not journey to Washington, PA solely for this meeting.
This matter is toxic. It has been made toxic through much talk, accusations, and an finger-pointing. The climate for discussion has been tainting, while some choose to try using scientific data to promote an agenda. There undoubtedly are very good reasons to be suspicious of rulings and positions. But, the ability to have meaningful dialogue has long-since been destroyed. Continued harsh accusations from any party will continue to pollute the common interests (yes, pun intended).
Jesse White, State Representative, 46th District
9:09 am on Thursday, February 21, 2013
Roger, the DEP was not included in the printed agenda because they had already refused to participate. I sent them a very polite letter, which I have posted on here already, and they refused. Were we supposed to give them a time slot and sit around hoping they would show up?
This matter is only toxic because DEP has failed to be even remotely accountable to the public. They're trying to make this about me as a smokescreen, which is ridiculous. Have you ever seen Secretary Krancer openly attack the EPA? It's way worse than anything I've ever said or done, so spare me the crocodile tears about the way they've been treated.
The DEP is doing this on purpose, creating a distraction so they don't have to answer the real issues. I would have thought a man like you would be smart enough to see through that, Roger.
Me
8:17 am on Thursday, February 21, 2013
I have seen the video FrackNation I think everyone in Pa. should see it.They are showing FrackNation free in Ohio.Mr. White when it comes to Pa.please go and see it ,,,,,,,,You can visit the site for more information.
http://fracknation.com/
FrackFighter
2:56 pm on Thursday, February 21, 2013
FrackNation...here's an objective review...
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/fracknation-film-review-411039
FrackFighter
3:05 pm on Thursday, February 21, 2013
"This isn't about me..."
I agree...and so does the Observer-Reporter - some choice words for our DEP
http://www.observer-reporter.com/article/20130220/OPINION01/130229907/-1/opinion#.USZigqX3AmV
Jamie Jones
3:23 pm on Thursday, February 21, 2013
The silence from the DEP speaks volumes. People should listen up.....
proud American
1:23 pm on Friday, February 22, 2013
For all the ones who think the DEP is silent go to
Phillyburbs.com
search block type in Solobay
Click on article---Dep Secretary Krancer hit on Marcellus Shale small mouth bass
the Dep answered questions from Democrates and Republicans both maybe because it was a balanced hearing or meeting what ever you choose to call it.
Prouder American
3:26 pm on Sunday, February 24, 2013
He was there because it was a budget hearing and the DEP wouldn't get any funding if he wasn't. That's the same hearing Senator Solobay defended Krancer by saying DEP always shows up in his district. What a joke.
Me
12:09 pm on Sunday, February 24, 2013
FrackFighter People in the area have seen FrackNation and now they can see the truth. And Proud America has been telling the truth when she comments. Hope she writes another article soon.
Prouder American
3:27 pm on Sunday, February 24, 2013
FrackNation is pure propaganda. proud american, aka Janice Ludwin Gibbs, is a local mole for industry-funded propaganda group Energy in Depth. Keep deluding yourselves.
proud American
4:04 pm on Sunday, February 24, 2013
Good afternoon Prouder American you are right about the budget meeting but questions and answers , Republican and Democrates, what a concept balanced. Here are a couple of more things for you to watch. The Real Promised land and Truthland you need to get away from those Hollywood movies like Promise land that was funded by the United Emirates. Do you think they don't want us to be energy independent keep the people scared.
Donald Roessler
6:23 pm on Sunday, February 24, 2013
When you resort to name calling in a debate "Prouder American" it just shows how childish, uneducated, rude and ignorant you really are and it does more harm for your cause than good. I've been dealing with people like you all over the internet and the people are getting tired of it. I've met Janice Gibbs personally and take offense to you and your actions myself.
Me
7:47 pm on Sunday, February 24, 2013
Prouder America Donald Roessler is right about the name calling. People are tired of it. I have seen FrackNation . I don't understand why Josh Fox was afraid of an interview.Prouder America I hope you can view FrackNation and tells us why Josh fox was afraid of an interview
Prouder American
10:59 pm on Sunday, February 24, 2013
Here's what I don't get about people like 'proud american' and Donald and Me and kittypepper and whoever else, and I'd like a real answer from one of them. This article, and all of the issues with the DEP, have nothing to do with whether to drill or not. The issue is whether government is doing its job to properly enforce regulations to protect us. But you all take every chance to make this about Rep. White and drilling vs. not drilling, and it really damages your collective credibility. It's amazing that a group of people could be so incredibly distrustful and skeptical of the legislative branch of government (Rep. White) while being so unwaveringly trusting of the executive branch (DEP). Don't you see how bad it makes you look when the only people making excuses for DEP are the most vocal and unquestioning advocates for the drilling industry? I dare someone to answer that question without attacking Rep. White in any way.
proud American
11:24 pm on Sunday, February 24, 2013
No one has proved the DEP hasn't answered questions who ever has the two letters just might prove they did. I'm surprise that EID wasn't brought up once again
Donald Roessler
11:29 pm on Sunday, February 24, 2013
I believe the DEP is doing a fine job. That's all I have to say about it.
Donald Roessler
11:46 pm on Sunday, February 24, 2013
Here's the two letters. It's public information from the DEP's website. The questions were answered. How many more times do they need to be asked and this crap about it shoved down our throats.
http://files.dep.state.pa.us/AboutDEP/AboutDEPPortalFiles/RemarksAndTestimonies/Rep_Jesse_White_ltr.pdf
http://files.dep.state.pa.us/AboutDEP/AboutDEPPortalFiles/RemarksAndTestimonies/Rep_Jesse_White_ltr_re_Test_Method_200_7_Thomas_Hayes_Study.pdf
Amanda Gillooly
4:17 pm on Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Me, that link shows "no page found."
Me
5:51 pm on Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Dear friends:
We just wanted to let you know the great news that FrackNation is coming to the heart of Washington. Yes, the documentary that tells the truth about fracking is to be screened at a special event on Capitol Hill later today.
The screening is being organized by the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology (subcommittee on Environment), and is a great opportunity to get the truth before lawmakers and their staffs. Phelim is due to meet legislators in advance of the screening and afterwards will take question from those who want to find out more. It is a great chance to dispel many of the myths and misrepresentations about fracking in the US.
You can read more about the event on Politico.
Donald Roessler
6:04 pm on Tuesday, February 26, 2013
See if this link works
http://www.politico.com/story/2013/02/congress-gets-crack-at-fracknation-88076.html
Donald Roessler
6:13 pm on Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Also if you go to www.youtube.com and enter Fracknation in the search you can find excerpts of the documentary.