Headlines for Friday, May 25, 2012

Ohio fracking legislation goes to governor for signature

In Ohio, Republican-backed fracking legislation is headed to the governor’s desk.  The energy bill is designed to regulate the state's expanding natural gas industry, which is expected to add hundreds of new well over the next few years.  Opponents say the law contains dangerous loopholes and will do little to address the potentially harmful effects of the industry.  FSRN’s Evan Davis has more from the capital.

By a wide majority this week, both the House and Senate passed the energy legislation.  Among the bill's key provisions is a requirement that oil and gas companies disclose at least some of the chemicals used in the fracking process, many of which are known to be toxic.  While proponents assert the disclosure provisions are nation’s toughest, critics note that the bill only requires disclosure after the chemicals have already been pumped in to the ground and that only general categories of chemicals have be named. Another concern of critics is the lack of a citizen’s appeals process.  Mark Shanahan was the energy advisor to Ohio's previous governor.

The bill also includes a provision that would restrict physicians from publicly disclosing information about fracking-related toxins, even if they believe those toxins to be the cause health problems in their patients.  Evan Davis, FSRN, Columbus.

Obama makes quick nomination to head NRC

President Obama has nominated a George Mason University environmental science professor to be the next chair of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.  Allison MacFarlane is being tapped to replace nuclear safety advocate Gregory Jaczko, who announced his resignation earlier this week.

Inmates in Virginia on hunger strike demanding better conditions

In Virginia, 11 inmates have gone on a hunger strike opposing their treatment in one of the state’s maximum security prisons.  Red Onion prison has a history of human rights concerns dating back more than a decade.  FSRN’s Brad Kutner has the story from Richmond.

Asking for an end to indefinite terms of segregation and quality cleaning supplies, approximately 11 inmates have been refusing food since Tuesday.  Red Onion opened in 1998, and soon after Human Rights Watch voiced concerns over the treatment of prisoners and the extensive use of solitary confinement.  In 1999, HRW released a report saying racism, violence, and inhuman conditions were rampant at the facility. Jamie Fellner authored that report.  She said the prisoners’ claims, if legitimate, show a clear violation of human rights.

Prison officials have denied any wrong doing in the matter, even suggesting to local media that inmates could be eating in secret with food purchased from the prison canteen. An outside group has already formed to support the striking prisoners and organizers say they made a personal visit to the prison.  Solidarity with Virginia Prison Hunger Strikers says they have not been able to confirm how many men are striking because prisoners are spread across several “pods.” They say the men are also refusing showers and exercise.  Brad Kutner, FSRN, Richmond.

Occupy the PGA calls for community reparations in Benton Harbor

Activists in Benton Harbor, Michigan are protesting the Senior PGA golf championship this weekend.  The protest, being called Occupy the PGA, is demanding that 25% of the event’s profits be given to the citizens of the city “as partial rightful compensation for stolen land and water.”  Protests began Wednesday, and rallies were scheduled yesterday and today.  Tomorrow, protesters will wear all black as part of a so-called “Death March.”  Community members in Benton Harbor have been protesting the use of public lands to build part of a golf course for several years.

Coal activists continue pressure against mountaintop removal mining

Activists in West Virginia are continuing their push to end the practice of mountaintop removal coal mining.  The environmental group Mountain Justice carried out two actions Thursday to block coal shipments from the mines.  And women in the heart of coal country are planning a unique protest on Memorial Day.  FSRN’s Melinda Tuhus reports.

Coal leaves West Virginia by truck, barge and rail.  Dozens of concerned residents blocked access to the haul road on Kayford Mountain Thursday, stopping coal trucks from entering or leaving the Republic Energy mine.  At the same time, five activists boarded a barge on the Kanawa River with a large banner that read “Coal leaves, cancer stays,” and locked their bodies to the barge. All five were arrested. Marilyn Mullens, a spokeswoman for the protesters, decided she needed to take further action, so she's organized a group of women to stand on the capitol steps in Charleston on Monday and shave their heads.

Mullens say her group, Women Unite to End Mountaintop Removal, will also be standing in solidarity with people who are sick and dying because of coal industry pollution.  Melinda Tuhus, FSRN.