File this under the “I’m Not Surprised” category. Drilling corporations have spent years and millions of dollars trying to prevent anyone from finding out what the constituents of the fluids they were pumping into the ground to force natural gas and oil up. Now, thanks to an investigation by the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee’s year-long investigation, part of the answer has come to light.
I will borrow a phrase from all the anti-American voices who came out from the shadows during the Bush Regime: “If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear from us looking into your business.” Hiding behind claims of proprietary business information is just about as cowardly as these corporations can get.
The congressional investigation found that oil and gas service companies have injected over 32 million gallons of diesel fuel or hydraulic fracturing fluids containing diesel fuel in wells in 19 states between 2005 and 2009. In addition, the investigation finds that no oil and gas service companies have sought – and no state and federal regulators have issued – permits for diesel fuel use in hydraulic fracturing, which appears to be a violation of the Safe Drinking Water Act.
We all know who was “running” the country during these years. And don’t think I’ll hold back any condemnation if I find out the Obama administration continued these disgusting practices. I’m not surprised that dirty energy corporations didn’t seek approval for their likely illegal actions – they think they’re above American law. I also won’t be surprised if they’re never held accountable either – they have worked hard to buy off our elected officials.
