• Home
  • About
  • Publications
  • Links
    • Drilling and Fracking
    • Resources
    • Stuff I Like
    • TX Progressive Alliance
  • Must See Videos
  • PSYOPS
  • Shale Survival
    • Before drilling starts
    • Tools
    • Medical
  • FAQ
  • Contact Me

Texas Sharon's Bluedaze

Fracking News

"Smokey" Joe Barton has Big Gas conflict

February 3, 2010 By TXsharon

We call him “Smokey” Joe because he loves any kind of energy that creates dirty air.


“Smokey” Joe is a working interest owner in some top producing Johnson County Barnett Shale gas wells.

an interest in natural gas wells that he purchased from a longtime campaign donor who also advised the congressman on energy policy, according to interviews and records.

The donor, Walter G. Mize, convinced “Smokey” Joe to start “a federal oil and gas research program that was included in a 2005 energy law”. You might remember that the 2005 Energy Policy Act exempted hydraulic fracturing from regulation by the EPA under the Clean Water Act.

Barton’s interest could become controversial at a time when Congress is considering sweeping energy legislation that would boost demand for natural gas. Congressional experts say such deals raise ethical questions for lawmakers, who are expected by the public to maintain a firewall between their personal finances and official duties.

Let’s see, isn’t Arlington part of “Smokey” Joe’s district? One Arlington resident has tested positive for drilling toxins in her body. She lives near this well, Carrizo UTA Facility.

You can read more about the kind of favors “Smokey” Joe’s oil and gas “research” program has dished out and how he denies any conflict at the Dallas Morning News.

Barton’s gas well stake raises ethical questions

February 2, 2010
By DAVE MICHAELS

About Sharon Wilson

Sharon Wilson is considered a leading citizen expert on the impacts of shale oil and gas extraction. She is the go-to person whether it’s top EPA officials from D.C., national and international news networks, or residents facing the shock of eminent domain and the devastating environmental effects of natural gas development in their backyards.

  • Mail
  • |
  • Web
  • |
  • More Posts(5116)

Filed Under: Conflict of interest

Comments

  1. Anonymous says

    February 3, 2010 at 3:15 pm

    Just another example of one of our WP's in Austin!

  2. Robert Finne says

    November 11, 2011 at 11:47 am

    According to the Common Cause report, “Deep Drilling, Deep Pockets,” which ranked 100 top recipients of the fracking lobby, Barton received $514,945 from Jan. 1, 2001, through June 30, 2011, while Cornyn received $417,556. The information was collected from federal election reports.

    All four GOP members who represent portions of Tarrant County made the list. In addition to Barton, Rep. Michael Burgess of Lewisville ranked 55th, at $103,450; Rep. Kay Granger of Fort Worth was 68th with $87,829; and Rep. Kenny Marchant of Coppell was 99th with $64,200.

    Read more: http://www.star-telegram.com/2011/11/10/3517053/report-details-congressional-donations.html#ixzz1dQ64DHNs

    • TXsharon says

      November 11, 2011 at 11:54 am

      Yeah, Robert, but Smokey Joe is against allowing two men to get married and have and abortion so that makes him a good guy. :/

Stalk TXsharon

Recent Posts

  • Register for the worldwide premier of Uncovering the Permian Climate Bomb
  • Update: Chris Faulkner > IT Guy > Frack Master > Felon
  • French Energy Giant Total Declares War on Texas Toddlers
  • Hydrocarbon odors during oil and gas drilling
  • MSNBC and TXsharon in the Texas fracking zone
  • Blowout: Inside America’s Energy Gamble

Like Earthworks on Facebook

Categories

Archives

All work © Sharon Wilson. No works may be shared copied in full without permission. Bluedaze: Drilling Reform. Site Design by Sumy Designs. Powered by those who advocate for a safe and healthy environment.