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Groups Protest State Homeland Security Labeling Marcellus Shale Protesters As Threats
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Gov. Rendell said he was "appalled" to learn this week a contractor for his Office of Homeland Security had identified some opponents of Marcellus Shale drilling as possible domestic terrorists and distributed that information to Marcellus Shale gas drilling companies. The contractor also identified what it called other "credible real threats to critical infrastructure" including gay pride parades, taxpayer rallies and protests in support of the Governor's own education policies.
In a statement from Michael Brune, Pennsylvania Sierra Club Executive Director, said, "We condemn the reported abuses by the Pennsylvania Department of Homeland Security, whose McCarthy-style research sought only to intimidate Pennsylvanians concerned about their land and water. We are especially troubled by the cozy relationship between the gas industry and state regulators, who shared personal information about residents.
"Grassroots activism is the foundation of American history, and much of this activism began in Pennsylvania with patriots like Benjamin Franklin. No government entity should squelch the rights of concerned residents to voice their opinions or to assemble with their neighbors.
"We are glad to see Gov. Rendell call for an end to this invasion of privacy, and we urge him to follow through on his pledge to investigate this matter fully and to make public the results of the investigation. The Governor should hold accountable anyone responsible for allowing this violation of privacy rights. Public dissent and grassroots activism without fear of government surveillance or collusion with industry are keys to a functioning democracy.
"To truly address homeland security we should investigate what chemicals natural gas companies are injecting into our water supply and adopt tough regulations to protect all Americans from gas industry abuses. Unless the state legislature takes action now, Pennsylvanians will suffer reckless environmental degradation, loss of drinking water, destruction of our precious state and national forests, increased air pollution, and increased exposure to toxic chemicals used in the drilling process and from the natural gas itself."
The Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee has scheduled a hearing on this issue for September 27. (see separate story)
Marcellus Protesters Put On List Of Terror Threats
Rendell Ends Tracking Of Opponents Of Natural Gas Drilling Appalled Governor Shuts Down Reports On Marcellus Opponents Anti-Terrorism Contract Helped Gas Drillers
Rendell's Top Staffers Knew Of Protester Tracking In July Ex-Rendell Aide Questions Terror List Contract State Tracking Outrages Foes Of Gas Drilling As Creepy
Documents Show PA Homeland Security Tracks Anti-Drill Group Editorial: Speaking Your Mind In PA Is Not A Threat
Editorial: Paranoia As Public Policy Editorial: Rendell Quick To Respond To Homeland Security's Absurdity |
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9/20/2010 |
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