Perhaps Edge Resources is not finished tagging the wildlife and completing the inventory of trees and vegetation that will be lost if that drill site is permitted. As you may recall, Aubudon International accepted Edge into their Signature Program which is quite confusing. Make no mistake ~ wildlife, vegetation, and human life cannot co-exist alongside horizontal, slickwater hydrofracking.
Showing posts with label Audubon International. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Audubon International. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Overcoming Faith Tabled - Stay Tuned
Yesterday Arlington, TX City Council decided to keep Specific Use Permit SUP 11-13 (Overcoming Faith Drill Site - 4700 Eden Road) tabled.
Perhaps Edge Resources is not finished tagging the wildlife and completing the inventory of trees and vegetation that will be lost if that drill site is permitted. As you may recall, Aubudon International accepted Edge into their Signature Program which is quite confusing. Make no mistake ~ wildlife, vegetation, and human life cannot co-exist alongside horizontal, slickwater hydrofracking.
Perhaps Edge Resources is not finished tagging the wildlife and completing the inventory of trees and vegetation that will be lost if that drill site is permitted. As you may recall, Aubudon International accepted Edge into their Signature Program which is quite confusing. Make no mistake ~ wildlife, vegetation, and human life cannot co-exist alongside horizontal, slickwater hydrofracking.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Overcoming the Consent Agenda
This is curious. Why is the Arlington, TX City Council Meeting Agenda for this week (March
6, 2012) showing a controversial item on its Consent Agenda?
"Maybe the lights are on but nobody's home."
Definition of Consent Agenda
The Consent Agenda is a tool used to streamline meeting procedures by collecting routine, non-controversial items into a group whereby all are passed with a single motion and vote.
The February 21, 2012 Public Hearing
As we know from observations at the February 21 public hearing regarding SUP 11-13 Overcoming Faith Drill Site, this topic was far from being non-controversial. Following are reasons why this ordinance change for a drill site is objectionable:
How does heavy industrial mining fit into that overlay???
The City received only five petitions of support. Two were from the same individual and one appears to be invalid. In support are: (1) Edge Resources (2) Overcoming Faith Church (two letters by same person); (3) a local business C-CAT; and (4) the COO of Sundance Hospital, whose approval might be invalid.
Did we mention that - according to the letter of objection written by the doctors of Sundance - that their COO is not authorized to sign legal documents pertaining to the property at 7000 U.S. Hwy. 287, Arlington, TX? He is only authorized to make decisions regarding operations of the hospital. Wouldn't that mean that his signature doesn't count? In addition, aren't the doctors the ones who own the hospital? These documents can be viewed HERE.
Here is a Channel 33 report about this site: http://www.the33tv.com/videogallery/68307004/News/2/22/12-arlington-gas-drilling
This issue looks complicated, so it is confusing to see it listed on the consent agenda where it can be swiftly approved during the next council session. Consent agendas are not to be used to hide actions that will be controversial -- to do so breaches trust and undermines the value of this practice.
"Maybe the lights are on but nobody's home."
Definition of Consent Agenda
The Consent Agenda is a tool used to streamline meeting procedures by collecting routine, non-controversial items into a group whereby all are passed with a single motion and vote.
The February 21, 2012 Public Hearing
As we know from observations at the February 21 public hearing regarding SUP 11-13 Overcoming Faith Drill Site, this topic was far from being non-controversial. Following are reasons why this ordinance change for a drill site is objectionable:
- Public parks are a protected use requiring a 600' setback. The proposed drill zone is 301'.
- Nine other drill sites are located within two miles.
- In 2006 it was determined that the purpose of the Village on the Green at Tierra Verde overlay would be to provide an area that would be environmentally sustainable, memorable for its rural character and village-like atmosphere, with a mix of high-quality housing options.
- During the February 21 hearing Councilwoman Sheri Capehart expressed her concerns. Her comments can be heard by clicking HERE.
- A children's psychiatrist from Sundance Hospital spoke about his concerns, and his speech may be heard HERE.
- And finally, Edge Resources announced that they have been accepted into the Audubon International Signature Program - not to be confused with the Audubon Society which in no way is affiliated with the former. However, to our knowledge they have not been certified yet. This process can take a year or more. Wouldn't it be prudent to wait until they actually get certified?
How does heavy industrial mining fit into that overlay???
The City received only five petitions of support. Two were from the same individual and one appears to be invalid. In support are: (1) Edge Resources (2) Overcoming Faith Church (two letters by same person); (3) a local business C-CAT; and (4) the COO of Sundance Hospital, whose approval might be invalid.
Did we mention that - according to the letter of objection written by the doctors of Sundance - that their COO is not authorized to sign legal documents pertaining to the property at 7000 U.S. Hwy. 287, Arlington, TX? He is only authorized to make decisions regarding operations of the hospital. Wouldn't that mean that his signature doesn't count? In addition, aren't the doctors the ones who own the hospital? These documents can be viewed HERE.
Here is a Channel 33 report about this site: http://www.the33tv.com/videogallery/68307004/News/2/22/12-arlington-gas-drilling
This issue looks complicated, so it is confusing to see it listed on the consent agenda where it can be swiftly approved during the next council session. Consent agendas are not to be used to hide actions that will be controversial -- to do so breaches trust and undermines the value of this practice.
Monday, February 27, 2012
In the Name of Audubon
Previously, we mentioned that Edge Resources announced their acceptance into the Signature Program of Audubon. We've corrected that original blog post since there was confusion regarding the use of the use of the name Audubon. CLARIFICATION: Audubon International is in no way affiliated with the Audubon Society. They are two entirely different entities.
In fact, in 1991 the Audubon Society tried to sue in order to prevent Audubon International from using their name, but a judge ruled that the Audubon Society did not own exclusive rights to that name nor did it cause confusion. Well it certainly confused us!
Audubon Society’s Mission is "to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth's biological diversity."
Audubon International primarily partners with golf courses or hotels by promoting "green consciousness".
Since Tierra Verde Golf Course and the Martin Luther King Sports Complex - both adjacent to the proposed Overcoming Faith Drill Site - are already certified Signature members of Audubon International, Edge thought they would try that too. What a novel idea!
First of all, we must clarify that Edge is NOT currently certified. They have merely been ACCEPTED into the program through an application process similar to that of a student being accepted into a university. The next step would be a long process according to Mike Martinez, partner of Edge Resources.
It sounds like the big gas mafia may be trying to put lipstick on a pig again, but nevertheless we eagerly await to see how Edge plans to show Audubon International how they will protect a sensitive natural environment while exploiting natural gas on a 8.446-wooded acre tract of land. That is where the rubber will meet the road! Is this another public relations stunt by a desperate industry whose popularity is waning in communities?
During our discussion Mr. Martinez shared these questions that the industry is asking:
- "Can we co-exist?"
- "Can we do things to be accepted by environmental groups?"
His final comment ended with, "We believe we are good stewards of the land on our other properties."
Perhaps you need to decide whether this:
Tandy Hills Natural Area, Fort Worth
http://fwcando.org/node/394
http://fwcando.org/node/394
and this:
Tierra Verde Golf Club
and this:
Can Co-exist with this:
Fulson Drill Site, Arlington, TX
or even worse - this:
During the council meeting Shea Kirkman, representative of Edge Resources, admitted that Audubon International "doesn't know alot about this business". Perhaps those of us on the shale can clue them in. The Signature office telephone number in Henderson, KY is (270) 869-9419. Nancy Richardson, their director, can also be reached via e-mail: nrichardson@auduboninternational.org
If Edge Resources becomes a certified member of Audubon International, will this set a precedent for others in the oil & gas industry to paint a faux green image to the public?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)