May 2023 - News - lists.frackcheckwv.net

Fraudulent Certification of Fracked Gas Pipeline Welding Results in Two Arrests in Western Penna.
by Frack Check WV: admin 09 May '23

09 May '23

# [Fraudulent Certification of Fracked Gas Pipeline Welding Results in Two Arrests in Western Penna.](https://www.frackcheckwv.net/2023/05/09/fraudulent- certification-of-fracked-gas-pipeline-welding-results-in-two-arrests-in- western-penna/) [![](https://www.frackcheckwv.net/wp- content/uploads/2023/05/2FD65212-91C7-4470-A0F1-570A8B6B121A1.jpeg)](https:… content/uploads/2023/05/2FD65212-91C7-4470-A0F1-570A8B6B121A1.jpeg) SEPARATE INCIDENT IN LAWRENCE COUNTY ~ Pipe falls off truck killing worker in March 2019 **Two arrested in pipeline fraud in Lawrence County** From the [Article by Debbie Wachter, New Castle News](https://www.ncnewsonline.com/news/local_news/two-arrested-in-pipeline- fraud-in-lawrence-county/article_7abfdfa2-eb72-11ed-b850-f3a033834ba1.html), May 5, 2023 The state Office of the Attorney General filed criminal charges in Lawrence County against two men accused of falsifying paperwork and endangering others while working on a natural gas pipeline. Joseph Berkich, 45, of Daisytown, Washington County, is charged with falsifying industrial radiologist certification documents to obtain X-ray examination work on a natural gas pipeline project for EnTech Energy of New Castle, then conspiring with Welton Darl Shipe to cover-up his deception. Shipe, 61, of Baker, West Virginia, a quality assurance manager on the project, is charged with providing false statements to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection about the pipe’s condition and repairs that he commissioned surreptitiously. The men are related by marriage and knew each other when they conspired to commit the crimes charged this week, according to information from the attorney general’s office. The pipeline involved was a 34-mile stretch of the Mark West Liberty Pipeline that transports natural gas liquids such as propane, normal butane, isobutane and higher molecular weight hydrocarbons from natural gas processing plants that are located in West Virginia and Pennsylvania, to fractionation facilities in Ohio and Pennsylvania, according to the court papers and information from a news release from the attorney general’s office. EnTech Energy, located at 105 Mahoning Ave., manufactures components used in natural gas pipelines. A company principal informed state agents Berkich was the lowest bidder on a Mark West Energy Project. He and Steel City Gamma, his former company, began working for EnTech around Aug. 16, 2019, and were fired as a subcontractor around Nov. 1 that year. Berkich’s company performed six jobs for EnTech, the report said. Those jobs were to have been part of a Mark West pipeline located in West Virginia. A certified welding inspector had notified the agents that September he found a total of five bad welds Berkich deemed acceptable. Two were at the EnTech facility in New Castle, one was at a staging area before being placed in a field and two were on a job site right of way, awaiting installation, the report said. A sixth weld had to be shot in the field after installation, the report said. Berkich is charged with six counts of forgery, two counts of theft by deception, receiving stolen property, tampering with public records, five counts of tampering with records or identification and one of conspiracy to commit tampering and risking a catastrophe. Shipe is charged with conspiracy to commit tampering with public records, tampering with public records or identification, risking catastrophe, and unsworn falsification to authorities and statement under penalty. They were taken into custody and arraigned Thursday afternoon by District Judge Melissa A. Amodie, who released them on unsecured bonds of $15,000 each, meaning if they fail to show for their court proceedings, warrants will be issued for their arrests and they will be liable for the entire bond amount. This case was investigated by the Office of Attorney General with support from the US Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General. All charges are accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Criminal complaints against both men detail their alleged offenses. While employed as a quality assurance manager at EnTech Energy, Shipe hired Berkich as an industrial radiographer to X-ray and interpret the welds on sections of the pipeline to evaluate their integrity and Berkich failed to provide the necessary certifications prior to starting the work, according to the paperwork. After EnTech repeatedly asked for the paperwork, Berkich provided certifications with multiple forged signatures. It was later discovered Berkich was neither trained nor certified to perform that type of work. As a result of Berkich’s lack of certification, EnTech was forced to hire another firm to re-examine all of the welds that Berkich had previously evaluated. That firm determined that some of the materials used by Berkich were not up to industry code and that Berkich signed off on a total of seven bad welds that threatened the integrity of the project and endangered the public, the state agency contends. Further investigation revealed Shipe later directed a welder and Berkich to come in on a weekend — when the project inspector was not on site — to cut out bad welds and repair them without reporting the repairs. Reporting repairs is critical because the applied heat can cause the metal to become brittle leading to increased risk of leaks and the potential for the weld to become an ignition source, the paperwork states. The investigation into the allegations began in April of 2020. The paperwork states that in addition to X-ray costs, a total of six bad welds were found that Berkich had deemed satisfactory. Repair costs for EnTech energy resulted in $20,000 in losses to repair the bad welds, the complaints state. As a result, the customer, Mark West Energy, severed all ties with EnTech and canceled six or seven upcoming jobs with that company, the court papers state. “These men allegedly put lives at risk by carelessly ignoring certifications and safety assurance requirements in an effort to profit from pipeline work,” Attorney General Michelle Henry said in a news release issued Friday. “Unfortunately, we have seen recently the devastating environmental impacts of such carelessness, and my office is committed to holding accountable those who put the environment and our citizen’s health and lives at risk. Thanks to the hard work of the Office of Attorney General’s environmental crime section and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General, these men will now need to answer for their actions in a court of law.” URL: <https://www.frackcheckwv.net/2023/05/09/fraudulent-certification-of- fracked-gas-pipeline-welding-results-in-two-arrests-in-western-penna/>

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CENTER for COALFIELD JUSTICE ~ Public Health Report Needed Urgently
by Frack Check WV: Duane Nichols 08 May '23

08 May '23

# [CENTER for COALFIELD JUSTICE ~ Public Health Report Needed Urgently](https://www.frackcheckwv.net/2023/05/08/center-for-coalfield- justice-public-health-report-needed-urgently/) [![](https://www.frackcheckwv.net/wp- content/uploads/2023/05/81A57AE4-AF0C-4CB2-9EF2-6275D919FD98-300x168.png)](… content/uploads/2023/05/81A57AE4-AF0C-4CB2-9EF2-6275D919FD98.png) Report overdue on Pitt PA Health & Environment Studies **Report on Public Health Issues Related to Drilling, Fracking, Pipelining is Way Overdue** From the [Request by Heaven Sensky, Center for Coalfield Justice](https://secure.everyaction.com/xK30mw82EkmKtD7LaE2p_A2?ms=email&=&… ed11-8e8b-00224832eb73&emdi=fc96020e-b2ea- ed11-8e8b-00224832eb73&ceid=2589511), 5/4/23 **It’s been almost four years since Governor Tom Wolf committed $3 million on a pair of studies to explore the potential health impacts of oil and gas development in our communities.** **The Department of Health chose the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health to conduct the studies, and data collection concluded in September 2022.** **Families who have been impacted by rare childhood cancers demanded these studies, taxpayers funded the studies, but the public has not heard directly from the Department of Health since the studies began. ** **Residents of the eight-county region included in the studies deserve a status update.** (These counties border Brooke, Ohio, Marshall, Wetzel and Monongalia Counties in West Virginia.) **We believe this update is an important step for community inclusion in the research process and that it will strengthen relations with the public, making it easier for researchers to communicate and conduct outreach around the studies ' results. Every day that our trusted health institutions do not provide information, residents and health providers are left in the dark.** **It is urgent that the Department issue an update as soon as possible. The timeliness of this status update is imperative, considering that more young people are being diagnosed with rare cancers in the studied communities, all the while the state continues to grant permits for pollution-emitting fossil fuel projects.** **We’ve worked with partners to draft an open letter to the Department asking for an update.** [Sign your name to be included in this open letter!](https://secure.everyaction.com/xK30mw82EkmKtD7LaE2p_A2?ms=email&=&… ed11-8e8b-00224832eb73&emdi=fc96020e-b2ea-ed11-8e8b-00224832eb73&ceid=2589511) In November 2019, Governor Tom Wolf committed to spending $3 million on a pair of studies to explore the potential health impacts of oil and gas development after families impacted by rare childhood cancers demanded that the state investigate the cause of an apparent increase in rare childhood cancers in communities experiencing shale gas development. The Pennsylvania Department of Health chose the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health to undertake the studies, which became known as the PITT PA HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT STUDIES. The data collection for these studies concluded in September 2022. The University of Pittsburgh's public-facing website for the studies has not been updated since then. In early October 2022, the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the University of Pittsburgh publicly backed out of a public forum to discuss the progress and process of the studies. Unfortunately, the Department of Health has failed to provide any update on the status of the studies since it declined to participate in the forum. Meanwhile, residents had been led to believe that study results would be made available at the conclusion of the Wolf Administration, which never happened. Thus, we implore you to provide an update on the status of the studies to the public as soon as possible. Community members have yet to hear directly from either the University of Pittsburgh or the Department of Health since the studies were announced. [Given the importance of and the public interest in the results of these studies, the Department of Health must be transparent about their current status. Transparency is necessary to protect the credibility of the studies' results and taxpayers' investment.](https://news.yale.edu/2022/08/17/proximity-fracking-sites- associated-risk-childhood-cancer) The residents of the eight-county region included in the study deserve a status update regarding these taxpayer-funded studies designed to examine potential health impacts of human exposure to environmental risk factors, such as oil and gas development. We believe this update is an important step for community inclusion in the research process and that it will strengthen relations with the public, making it easier for researchers to communicate and conduct outreach around the studies' results. Every day that our trusted health institutions do not provide information, residents and health providers are left in the dark. It is urgent that the Department issue an update as soon as possible. The timeliness of this status update is imperative, considering that more young people are being diagnosed with rare cancers in the studied communities, all the while the state continues to grant permits for pollution-emitting fossil fuel projects. _[Heaven Sensky, Organizing Director, CCJ](https://centerforcoalfieldjustice.org/) heaven(a)centerforcoalfieldjustice.org 724-229-3550_ **[SUPPORT OUR WORK BY BECOMING A MEMBER TODAY!](https://centerforcoalfieldjustice.org/)** ~ We could not do this work without the continued support of our members and supporters. Please help us to continue our work to fight for environmental justice in Southwestern Pennsylvania by becoming a member of CCJ. Recurring monthly donations help to best support our work. Any gift made to the Center for Coalfield Justice is 100% tax-deductible. **[BECOME A MEMBER TODAY](https://centerforcoalfieldjustice.org/)** ~ [Center for Coalfield Justice](https://centerforcoalfieldjustice.org/), PO BOX 4023, Washington , PA 15301 URL: <https://www.frackcheckwv.net/2023/05/08/center-for-coalfield-justice- public-health-report-needed-urgently/>

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Environmentalism is Not Just a Word Because We Only Have One Earth
by Frack Check WV: admin 07 May '23

07 May '23

# [Environmentalism is Not Just a Word Because We Only Have One Earth](https://www.frackcheckwv.net/2023/05/07/environmentalism-is-not-just… word-because-we-only-have-one-earth/) [![](https://www.frackcheckwv.net/wp- content/uploads/2023/05/57ACD5A0-2510-436E-AD60-001FFFC988DC.jpeg)](https:/… content/uploads/2023/05/57ACD5A0-2510-436E-AD60-001FFFC988DC.jpeg) Political changes and life-style changes are our future! **Radical conservative environmentalism?** From the [Letter to Editor by Wes Bergen, Morgantown Dominion Post](https://www.dominionpost.com/2023/04/29/april-30-letters-to-the- editor/), April 30, 2023 **Something new has to happen. In order to alter our current course, which has led and is leading to environmental devastation, we need nearly everyone to be involved. We need all hands on deck. This means that, in addition to a growing radical progressive environmental movement, we need a radical conservative environmental movement.** **There is nothing impossible about radical conservative environmentalism. Yes, much of current conservative leadership is heading full speed toward further destruction, but there is no reason that this has to be so.** **Our current governor and U.S. senators are not going to lead a radical environmental movement, because they are all living off the sale of fossil fuels. Their motivation appears to be mostly greed. And greed is not a conservative value. Traditionally, greed is a vice that needs to be discouraged or even punished. So they are not good leaders for conservatism in any case.** **Other leaders in the current conservative world are climate deniers and make all sorts of unscientific claims. This is not conservative either — this is just stupid. And stupidity is not a conservative value. There is an intelligent conservative position that needs to be part of the discussion, however unlikely it currently seems.** **So we need new leaders. We need leaders who understand the need to conserve what is of value in our heritage and our traditions. And we need those leaders to be guided by the best of our traditions, not the worst of them. We need these leaders to articulate a radical conservative environmentalism, because it will be impossible to conserve our society in the midst of environmental devastation.** [![](https://www.frackcheckwv.net/wp- content/uploads/2023/05/270C1E38-19EC-4D65-ABB3-1B98786890D4-150x150.jpg)](… content/uploads/2023/05/270C1E38-19EC-4D65-ABB3-1B98786890D4.jpeg) The lessons for Earth also apply in West Virginia … >> Wes Bergen is a pastor of the Church of the Brethren and author of “You Are NOT Going to Heaven.” URL: <https://www.frackcheckwv.net/2023/05/07/environmentalism-is-not-just-a- word-because-we-only-have-one-earth/>

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New UK King Charles III May Resolve “Rosebank North Sea Oil” Question?
by Frack Check WV: admin 06 May '23

06 May '23

# [New UK King Charles III May Resolve “Rosebank North Sea Oil” Question?](https://www.frackcheckwv.net/2023/05/06/new-uk-king-charles-iii- may-resolve-%e2%80%9crosebank-north-sea-oil%e2%80%9d-question/) [![](https://www.frackcheckwv.net/wp- content/uploads/2023/05/42F19E0D-84AF-48AF- ACE4-EB53D2DEDE96.jpeg)](https://www.frackcheckwv.net/wp- content/uploads/2023/05/42F19E0D-84AF-48AF-ACE4-EB53D2DEDE96.jpeg) Some 40 Members of the European Union Congress say Foul! **Tory former net zero tsar calls for halt to Rosebank North Sea oil project** From the [Article by Fiona Harvey, The Guardian UK](https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/apr/25/tory-former-net-zer… tsar-chris-skidmore-calls-for-halt-to-rosebank-north-sea-oil-project), April 25, 2023 The UK government’s former “net zero tsar” has urged ministers to halt the development of the Rosebank oilfield in the North Sea, or risk destroying the UK’s credibility on the climate crisis. Chris Skidmore, the influential Conservative MP who led the review of the UK’s climate goals, writes in the Guardian on Tuesday of his concern that the development could derail net zero. Skidmore told the Guardian: “There is no such thing as a new net zero oilfield. Approving Rosebank would undermine UK claims to climate leadership on the world stage, undermine what the climate science tells us and undermine our efforts to achieve a net zero Britain by mid-century. To enhance our energy security, the government must say no to Rosebank, and instead give the green light to energy efficiency, rooftop solar, onshore wind and other forms of clean energy supply.” Skidmore, a former energy and science minister, is the first Tory MP to openly oppose the Rosebank project. Rosebank is a massive potential North Sea development, three times bigger than the controversial Cambo field that was put on hold more than a year ago. It has the potential to produce 500m barrels of oil, which when burned would emit as much carbon dioxide as running 56 coal-fired power stations for a year. The Observer reported earlier this month that Rosebank would effectively blow the UK’s carbon budget in the next decade, as greenhouse gas emissions from its operations alone – not counting emissions from any oil produced – would exceed the guideline amounts for the oil and gas sector. Skidmore warned that going ahead with Rosebank could therefore be a problem for many UK industries beyond the North Sea, and inhibit the growth of green energy. “Other sectors of the economy, which are already playing their part to reach net zero, would have to cut their emissions further and faster to enable the UK to stay within its carbon budgets. Further, fields such as Rosebank may inhibit the UK’s transition away from fossil fuels due to competition for critical and limited supply chains that both industries share, including ports, vessels and the skilled workforce,” he wrote. A decision on whether Rosebank can go ahead is believed to be imminent, and the government could stop it, though the energy secretary, Grant Shapps, has repeatedly said the decision is not up to him. Equinor, the state-owned Norwegian company behind Rosebank, could receive an estimated £3.75bn of tax breaks and tax-funded incentives towards the estimated £4.1bn cost of the development, owing to loopholes in the government’s windfall tax on North Sea fossil fuels, according to estimates from the campaign group Uplift. About 80% of the fossil fuels produced by Rosebank are likely to be exploited, and the development could turn into a net loss of £100m to the UK taxpayer. A spokesperson from Equinor told the Guardian: “Rosebank is a project that can help counteract the decline in domestic UK oil and gas production. As long as there is a need for oil and gas, we think it is important that we continue to invest in fields that can contribute to energy security with a low carbon footprint, while creating jobs and value for society. In this time of energy crisis, we don’t think it is helpful if western democracies stop developing their resources.” He added that it is estimated by some that the Rosebank project will bring £26.8 billion to the UK through tax payments and investments into the UK economy. Tessa Khan, the founder and executive director of Uplift, said: “Approving Rosebank would be a disaster for Britain. UK taxpayers wouldn’t be any warmer or more secure, but Norway would be a lot richer. Every minute spent talking about Rosebank is a minute not spent scaling up renewables, insulating people’s homes and delivering economic opportunity in green industries for communities across the country.” Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the Green party are also opposed to Rosebank. Caroline Lucas, the Green MP, said: “When developing Rosebank would mean producing more emissions than 28 low-income countries combined, government approval would be morally obscene. The cross-party message from parliamentarians is clear: we must stop Rosebank.” Last month, before the government’s “energy security day” announcements, which included a massive investment in carbon capture and storage under the North Sea, a group of about 700 scientists wrote to ministers asking them to halt new oil and gas developments. The International Energy Agency warned before the UK-hosted Cop26 climate summit in 2021 that no new oil and gas exploration should take place, if the world was to limit global heating to 1.5C above pre-industrial temperatures. This year, the UN secretary general, António Guterres, called on governments to halt new licences for oil and gas exploration and development. Khan said: “The government should heed the advice of leading scientists, the head of the UN, and the chair of their own net zero review, by saying no to Rosebank and yes to what people want: affordable clean energy.” A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson said: “No decision has yet been made regarding the proposed Rosebank field. Development proposals for oil fields under existing licences are a matter for the regulators, who consider the impact on the environment when making their judgment.” =============================== **EU Lawmakers Call on UK to Scrap Rosebank Oil Field Plan** From an [Article by John Ainger, Bloomberg News Service](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-04-19/eu-lawmakers-ca… on-uk-s-sunak-to-scrap-rosebank-oil-field-plan#xj4y7vzkg), April 19, 2023 A group of 40 European Union lawmakers have called on UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to scrap plans to develop the Rosebank oil and gas field ahead of an energy summit next week. This project is in breach of global climate agreements says the MEPs. Members of the European Parliament, led by Michael Bloss from the Green party, said in a letter seen by Bloomberg that development of the project operated by Equinor ASA threatens globally agreed climate targets. URL: <https://www.frackcheckwv.net/2023/05/06/new-uk-king-charles-iii-may- resolve-%e2%80%9crosebank-north-sea-oil%e2%80%9d-question/>

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Introduction to the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (ARCH2)
by Frack Check WV: admin 05 May '23

05 May '23

# [Introduction to the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (ARCH2)](https://www.frackcheckwv.net/2023/05/05/introduction-to-the- appalachian-regional-clean-hydrogen-hub-arch2/) [![](https://www.frackcheckwv.net/wp- content/uploads/2023/05/8F242A68-69CE-49BC-828F-02011D22A04A.jpeg)](https:/… content/uploads/2023/05/8F242A68-69CE-49BC-828F-02011D22A04A.jpeg) Don’t be color blind! ARCH2 is gray, or blue, or ……. green? **NETL Director Outlines Lab’s Role in Transition to the Hydrogen Economy** From the [Address by Brian Anderson, National Energy Technology Laboratory](https://netl.doe.gov/node/12512), May 4, 2023 NETL Director Brian Anderson highlighted the expertise of the Lab’s researchers to advance innovations and scientific discoveries that support the development of regional clean hydrogen hubs across America, including a project planned through a partnership with the State of West Virginia, EQT Corp., the nation’s largest natural gas producer, and others. Speaking Tuesday, May 2, at the West Virginia Manufacturing Energy Growth Summit at the Oglebay Resort in Wheeling, Anderson explained that hydrogen energy has the potential to decarbonize multiple economic sectors, including heavy-duty transportation and steel manufacturing, create good-paying jobs and pave the way toward a grid powered by clean energy resources. “West Virginia could serve as an ideal location for a clean hydrogen hub due to its unique access to ample low-cost natural gas feedstock as well as its outstanding workforce and technology capabilities and carbon sequestration potential,” Anderson said during a panel discussion that focused on plans to establish ARCH2 — the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub. A network of clean hydrogen producers, potential clean hydrogen consumers and connective infrastructure located in close proximity, a hydrogen hub “can reduce emissions from multiple carbon-intensive sectors and open a world of economic opportunity to create clean energy businesses and jobs,” Anderson said. NETL has served as a participating entity in ARCH2 since it was established in September 2022. The ARCH2 team is composed of entities with operations across the Appalachian region spanning the hydrogen value chain as well as energy technology organizations, including NETL, that will provide commercial, technical and programmatic leadership for the development and buildout of the hub. Concentrated in Appalachian counties across West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Kentucky, ARCH2 will leverage diverse regional resources to build a sustainable clean hydrogen hub that can scale and integrate into a national clean hydrogen network. In January, the ARCH2 team received notification from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations that it was among applicants encouraged to submit a full application for regional hydrogen hub funding. President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law established an $8 billion program to develop regional clean hydrogen hubs. Hydrogen is a clean fuel that, when consumed in a fuel cell, produces only water, electricity and heat. However, most of the hydrogen produced in the United States comes from natural gas through steam methane reforming. Therefore, virtually all hydrogen currently used now is considered “gray,” meaning it’s extracted from natural gas. Turning it “blue” requires infrastructure to capture the greenhouse gas emitted in that process and store it in deep underground reservoirs or convert it into value-added products, which are areas of NETL expertise. “When paired with carbon capture projects, hydrogen power — sourced from our country’s vast fuel resources — presents exciting opportunities to decarbonize power plants and industrial facilities,” Anderson said. Clean hydrogen hubs are also a critical component to achieve DOE’s Hydrogen Shot goal of reducing the cost of clean hydrogen to $1 per 1 kg in one decade (1-1-1) while supporting the Biden Administration’s vision for a net-zero emissions economy by 2050. NETL is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory that drives innovation and delivers technological solutions for an environmentally sustainable and prosperous energy future. By leveraging its world-class talent and research facilities, NETL is ensuring affordable, abundant and reliable energy that drives a robust economy and national security, while developing technologies to manage carbon across the full life cycle, enabling environmental sustainability for all Americans. URL: <https://www.frackcheckwv.net/2023/05/05/introduction-to-the-appalachian- regional-clean-hydrogen-hub-arch2/>

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The Financial Initiative of the United Nations Environment Program Adopts the 1.5°C Limit
by Frack Check WV: admin 04 May '23

04 May '23

# [The Financial Initiative of the United Nations Environment Program Adopts the 1.5°C Limit](https://www.frackcheckwv.net/2023/05/04/the-financial- initiative-of-the-united-nations-environment-program-adopts- the-1-5%c2%b0c-limit/) [![](https://www.frackcheckwv.net/wp- content/uploads/2023/05/067E7866-AC36-4BA7-A44E-8CB3AD3FFE1B-300x168.jpg)](… content/uploads/2023/05/067E7866-AC36-4BA7-A44E-8CB3AD3FFE1B.jpeg) Our transitions can be facilitated even if they involve many small steps **Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance sets expectations for oil and gas investments and calls on companies and policymakers to align with 1.5C pathways** From the [United Nations Environment Program Financial Initiative](https://www.unepfi.org/industries/net-zero-asset-owner-alliance- outlines-new-guidance-for-oil-and-gas-investments-while-calling-on-companies- policymakers-and-investors-to-align-with-1-5c-pathways/), March 29, 2023 1\. US$11 trillion Alliance expects members to develop and align individual oil and gas policies with this position and cover portfolio allocation, stewardship programmes, and policy engagement 2\. Oil and gas producers and their customers expected to set science-based, absolute- and intensity-oriented emissions targets covering Scope 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions that are aligned with 1.5°C no or limited overshoot scenarios 3\. The Alliance calls for increased policy ambition to rapidly reduce oil and gas demand and increase the supply and availability of renewable alternatives **GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – The Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance today outlines new guidance for members regarding their approach to the oil and gas sector, calling on consumers and suppliers of oil and gas to set Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emission reduction targets while aligning their operations activities, including capital expenditure, with established 1.5°C pathways.** This Position on the Oil and Gas Sector underscores the Alliance’s recognition that unabated climate change poses significant economic and investment risks. Members are committed to mitigating these systemic risks on behalf of their clients and beneficiaries and, as such, should consider how economies can transition away from dependency on activities that contribute to climate change, including the combustion of oil and gas. **The Alliance’s view on this essential transition away from oil and gas dependency is guided by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC’s) 1.5°C no or limited overshoot scenarios, as well as on the One Earth Climate Model (OECM) and the International Energy Agency (IEA) Net Zero by 2050 Roadmap (NZE 2050).** The numerous challenges of transitioning to a low-carbon economy are best mitigated by a position that considers all available options for concurrently reducing the supply and demand of oil and gas and in overall economic systems. Thus, the Alliance’s Position on the Oil and Gas Sector is expressed in the form of expectations for producers, consumers, policymakers, and investors. **Günther Thallinger, Allianz SE Board Member and Chair UN convened Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance, says:** _“The world must achieve a net-zero economy by 2050, with a maximum 1.5°C of temperature rise. This is necessary to avoid the most extreme effects of climate change. How energy is provided and consumed must therefore dramatically change. This includes the need to phase out non-renewable sources like oil and gas in many, if not most, of its current uses. This challenge must be tackled while balancing the supply of oil and gas on the one hand, and society’s demand for affordable and reliable energy on the other. Investors want to support this transition and the Alliance Position on the Oil and Gas Sector describes how our members wil do that.”_ **Expectations of investors** ~ On private asset investment in new unabated oil and gas infrastructure, investors, including Alliance members, shall align with credible 1.5°C net zero scenarios. This cannot be achieved if there are new upstream insfrastructure investments in new oil and gas fields. Alliance members are expected to adopt policies that align with these positions on infrastructure investments, or show how existing policies already align. The Alliance does recognise that some net-zero committed investors have already put in place policies to cease financing of all oil and gas infrastructure. Others may choose to continue to invest in new oil and gas infrastructure in exceptional circumstances, where alternatives for affordable and reliable alternatives are not yet viable or where government-issued regional/national 1.5°C pathways and/other regional specificities may influence portfolio decisions. In all cases, the Alliance strongly advises against investment in long-lived assets that are likely to be stranded in a 1.5°C -aligned transition. Other specific guidelines for investors listed in the paper focus on direct stewardship for action—aligning science-based portfolio allocation and stewardship decisions with individual climate ambitions—as well as indirect options like supporting policy and regulatory efforts that address climate change. For asset owners in particular, the Alliance emphasises the need for engagement with the asset manager community so that climate action is recognised as supporting the best interests of managers’ clients. **Expectations of oil and gas companies** ~ According to the Alliance’s position, oil and gas producers and companies in intensive fossil fuel-using sectors are expected to set science-based, absolute- and intensity-based emissions targets that cover Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, in line with science-based, no- or limited-overshoot, 1.5°C-aligned pathways established by IPCC, OECM or IEA NZE 2050 roadmaps. As these scenarios make clear, a rapid scaling of zero-carbon energy, as well as the development of enabling technologies and policies, is needed to deliver a significant reduction in oil and gas demand. These scenarios also note that no new oil and gas fields must be developed to meet this declining demand. When engaging and setting expectations for these companies, the majority of Alliance members will take into consideration that the current oil and gas demand level is not yet in line with these scenarios, while other members will expect more immediate action, including no new oil and gas fields. Therefore, Alliance members should continue to set clearer expectations for them to set targets in line with the 1.5°C pathways, aligning their strategies and activities to be congruent with these targets. Alliance members should also pursue their own engagement strategies and other corporate activities to support reduced demand of oil and gas and increased supply of zero-carbon alternatives. **Expectations of policymakers and regulators** ~ For policymakers, the Alliance focuses on systemic interventions that can facilitate oil and gas demand reductions and increase alternative energy supply through economy-wide actions, such as implementing well designed and just carbon-pricing mechanisms and funding innovative technologies. These actions can help to incentivise decarbonisation, to unlock much-needed innovation, and to effectively harness the power of the capital markets by pricing externalities into the system and facilitating a transition to net zero. **About the UN-convened Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance** ~ The Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance is a member-led initiative of 85 institutional investors, with over US$11 trillion in assets under management, committed to transitioning their investment portfolios to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The Alliance members were the first in financial industry to set intermediate targets (aligned with the Paris Agreement schedule) and they report on their progress annually. The Alliance is convened by UNEP FI and PRI and is supported by WWF and Global Optimism. URL: <https://www.frackcheckwv.net/2023/05/04/the-financial-initiative-of-the- united-nations-environment-program-adopts-the-1-5%c2%b0c-limit/>

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THURSDAY NIGHT ~ “Inflation Reduction Act Roadshow” (5/4/23)
by Frack Check WV: admin 03 May '23

03 May '23

# [THURSDAY NIGHT ~ “Inflation Reduction Act Roadshow” (5/4/23)](https://www.frackcheckwv.net/2023/05/03/thursday- night-%e2%80%9cinflation-reduction-act-roadshow%e2%80%9d-5423/) [![](https://www.frackcheckwv.net/wp- content/uploads/2023/05/2EA1E671-E925-4FED-A462-F363F19F7723-300x300.png)](… content/uploads/2023/05/2EA1E671-E925-4FED-A462-F363F19F7723.png) Learn about this important legislation that affects all of us …. **Inflation Reduction Act Roadshow set for Thursday, May 4th @ 6 PM** [Dear Friends and Concerned Citizens ~ Calling all folks near Morgantown!](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ira-roadshow-morgantown- tickets-590271246187) This Thursday, May 4th at 6:00PM, come visit us at the IRA Roadshow! Join this free informational event to learn about how individuals, municipalities, and organizations in West Virginia can benefit from millions of dollars of investments contained in the Inflation Reduction Act. Last summer, Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act which includes historic investments in clean energy, energy efficiency, and community development initiatives. At these events, community members and elected officials will have the opportunity to learn from experts from around the state about how to put these investments to use in homes and communities. WHAT: FREE informational event WHEN: Thursday, May 4th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm WHERE: Sincerest United Methodist, 479 Van Voorhis Rd, Morgantown WV 26505 [RSVP now to engage in this opportunity in northern West Virginia](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ira-roadshow-morgantown- tickets-590271246187). **WV New Jobs Coalition is a coalition advocating for stronger communities for a brighter future here in West Virginia. Join us as we work to move state and federal policies to improve climate, healthcare, jobs and justice for all in West Virginia.** [Join our Mailing List - Donate - Volunteer - Share Your Vision for WV](https://www.newjobswv.org/) _WV New Jobs Coalition is a growing campaign made up of:_ American Friends Service Committee of WV, Common Defense of WV, WV Working Families Party, Sierra Club of WV, SEIU District 1199, West Virginia Citizen Action Group and more! URL: <https://www.frackcheckwv.net/2023/05/03/thursday- night-%e2%80%9cinflation-reduction-act-roadshow%e2%80%9d-5423/>

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The Climate Commitment Act in the Washington State Shows Great Promise
by Frack Check WV: Diana Gooding 02 May '23

02 May '23

# [The Climate Commitment Act in the Washington State Shows Great Promise](https://www.frackcheckwv.net/2023/05/02/the-climate-commitment-act- in-the-washington-state-shows-great-promise/) [![](https://www.frackcheckwv.net/wp- content/uploads/2023/05/4E8EEB32-07FD-4A67-9B0D-238AE1E7479D-300x150.png)](… content/uploads/2023/05/4E8EEB32-07FD-4A67-9B0D-238AE1E7479D.png) State of Washington: outstanding record of climate crisis programs (Click to expand image) **The “Cap and Invest” Plan to Limit Greenhouse Gases Approved Under Gov. Inslee** Program [Summary from the Department of Ecology, State of Washington](https://ecology.wa.gov/Air-Climate/Climate-Commitment- Act#:~:text=The%20Climate%20Commitment%20Act%20\(CCA,path%20to%20lower%20carbon%20emissions.), 2021 & 2022 The Climate Commitment Act (CCA) caps and reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from Washington’s largest emitting sources and industries, allowing businesses to find the most efficient path to lower carbon emissions. This powerful program works alongside other critical climate policies to help Washington achieve its commitment to reducing GHG emissions by 95% by 2050. The CCA also puts environmental justice and equity at the center of climate policy, making sure communities that bear the greatest burdens from air pollution today see cleaner, healthier air as the state cuts greenhouse gases. Finally, funds from the auction of emission allowances will support new investments in climate-resiliency programs, clean transportation, and addressing health disparities across the state. **A market-based solution** ~ In the CCA, the Legislature directed us to design and implement a cap-and-invest program to reduce statewide GHG emissions. This program works by setting an emissions limit, or cap, and then lowering that cap over time to ensure Washington meets the GHG reduction commitments set in state law. Only the second such program in the U.S., cap-and-invest uses the powers of supply and demand to incentivize businesses to cut their emissions, using whatever strategy they think is best. **Building a sustainable market** ~ The Legislature also tasked Ecology with designing the program so that it could, potentially, be linked with similar programs in California and Québec, which already share a combined carbon market. Based on an independent economic analysis commissioned as part of our current rulemaking for Chapter 173-446 WAC, Ecology will begin a public process to explore the possibility of linking in early 2023. **Cleaner air for overburdened communities** ~ The CCA aligns with the requirements of the Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act and includes provisions to ensure communities in Washington that are disproportionately impacted by climate change and air pollution benefit from cleaner air. In addition to the GHG reductions that will result from the cap-and-invest program, the CCA also directs us to reduce "criteria" air pollutants — such as ozone and particulate matter — in overburdened communities highly impacted by air pollution. **Funding allocation and accountability** ~ The CCA also directs the Environmental Justice Council to make recommendations to the Legislature on how auction revenue should be used and requires agencies using funding from CCA accounts to report their progress toward environmental justice goals to the Council. **Investing in the future** ~ Under the law, proceeds from the CCA allowance auctions must be invested in critical climate projects focused on improving clean transportation options — increasing climate resilience in ecosystems and communities — and addressing issues of environmental justice and health inequity in Washington. [![](https://www.frackcheckwv.net/wp- content/uploads/2023/05/673B1E47-E77A-471E-9F19-D26757FDCD0B-150x150.png)](… content/uploads/2023/05/673B1E47-E77A-471E-9F19-D26757FDCD0B.png) **Importantly, the CCA requires that at least 35% of funds be invested in projects that benefit overburdened communities, and a minimum of 10% go to projects with tribal support.** URL: <https://www.frackcheckwv.net/2023/05/02/the-climate-commitment-act-in- the-washington-state-shows-great-promise/>

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Full Disclosure of Fracking Chemicals is Long Overdue ~ Legislation Needed
by Frack Check WV: Diana Gooding 01 May '23

01 May '23

# [Full Disclosure of Fracking Chemicals is Long Overdue ~ Legislation Needed](https://www.frackcheckwv.net/2023/05/01/full-disclosure-of-fracking- chemicals-is-long-overdue-legislation-needed/) [![](https://www.frackcheckwv.net/wp- content/uploads/2023/05/5D93D41D-80EE-4776-B194-6D696D13D56B-300x224.jpg)](… content/uploads/2023/05/5D93D41D-80EE-4776-B194-6D696D13D56B.jpeg) These challenges exist in PA, OH, WV, CO, CA, ND, NM & TX (click to enlarge this image) **EDITORIAL: Implement reforms for drilling & fracking in Pennsylvania** . . From the [Republican & Herald Newspaper, Pottsville, PA](https://www.republicanherald.com/opinion/editorial/implement-reforms-fo… drilling-fracking/article_52934037-28d5-5ddf-b503-324be4a4dd44.html), on April 29, 2023 . . **Lawmakers were so eager to accommodate the natural gas industry nearly two decades ago that they opened the rich Marcellus Shale gas field without an adequate regulatory regime. Now, the state continues to play catch-up. It still does not require drillers to disclose all of the chemicals that they use to drill and hydraulically fracture gas wells, for example.** **Now the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has raised the question of long-term fracking-waste disposal, three years after a statewide grand jury identified major regulatory failures and recommended significant reforms to better inform and protect the public.** **That grand jury was convened by Attorney General Josh Shapiro. It followed up its findings of criminal wrongdoing against two drillers with a report on which the Governor — the very same Josh Shapiro — and the Legislature now should act.** **According to the EPA, the industry nationally produces about 1 trillion gallons of contaminated wastewater each year, about 2.6 billion gallons of which comes from deep wells in Pennsylvania.** To the industry's credit, it reuses most of the wastewater. But according to the PA Department of Environmental Protection, the industry still permanently disposed about 234 million gallons of the wastewater in deep injection wells in 2022. The industry also holds about 90 million gallons above ground at any given time, pending its reuse. **Because Pennsylvania has just 12 deep disposal wells, drillers ship most of the contaminated water by truck to Ohio, which has more than 200 such wells.Those wells themselves are controversial, partly because earthquakes have been attributed to them, including in Ohio. A consultant for a PA-DEP advisory board recently told the agency that the state would need between 17 and 34 more injection wells to handle the current wastewater volume.** Democratic state Sen. Katie Muth of Montgomery County has introduced a bill to implement the grand jury's recommendations, including full disclosure of fracking chemicals individually and in combination and labeling fracking waste as what it is rather than "residual waste" for transport purposes. **Because of its massive environmental and potential health impacts, all aspects of drilling and fracking should be an open book. Gov. Shapiro should push for reforms and the Legislature should adopt them.** ===================================== **SEE ALSO:** [Hydraulic Fracturing & Health, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)](https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/fracking/index.cfm), November 15, 2022 ===================================== **SEE ALSO:** [List of additives used for fracking - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_additives_used_for_frackin… In the United States, about 750 compounds have been listed as additives for hydraulic fracturing, also known as ingredients of pressurized fracking fluid, in an industry report to the US Congress in 2011 after originally being kept secret for "commercial reasons". The following is a partial list of the chemical constituents in additives that are used or have been used in fracturing operations, as based on the report of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, some are known to be carcinogenic. URL: <https://www.frackcheckwv.net/2023/05/01/full-disclosure-of-fracking- chemicals-is-long-overdue-legislation-needed/>

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