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| Pipeline foe Jamie Snook announced, "I have a master's degree." |
Nicolosi explained that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) will decide on the PennEast proposal, which is still in its pre-application phase. Once a formal application is underway, Nicolosi indicated it would be important to have someone who understands the process and to whom will listen.
Commissioners made this decision after a small group of pipeline foes urged them to adopt a resolution, or perhaps even an ordinance, banning the pipeline.
"I have a Master's Degree," announced the first speaker, Jamie Snook. who asked that his comments be recorded. He went on for twenty minutes without interruption.
He and and other opponents, including Ross McClellan, warned Commissioners of a pipeline going under Routes 22, 33 and 78 in an area known for sinkholes. They spoke of "catastrophic explosions," damaged infrastructure and a loss of air quality brought n by the release of methane gas. They complained the pipeline contains no local benefit, and that the product would be shipped off to China and Europe.
Guy Wagner, whose Township property is traversed by the pipeline, asked Commissioners to "save our land." he complained that the gas companies "take your land and give you nothing."
"I hear a lot of ifs, maybes, supposes" reacted Michael Hudak. 'we need more information before considering a resolution."
"There could be benefits to the municipality," agreed president Marty Zawarski.
Solicitor Nicolosi stressed that it's important to have someone on board who can "make comments that FERC will actually heed."
Phil Barnard thanked pipeline opponents for making their views known.
Major pipelines already traverse Bethlehem Township. Heck, a developer is building 100's of apartment units and a shopping center within "feet" of high pressure VOC pipelines and Bethlehem Township is spending hard earned taxpayer money to stop a natural gas pipeline, which by the way, probably over half the Township is served with natural gas?? Seems like Bethlehem Township is being used by the left for an unjust cause. IMHO.
ReplyDeleteLet me get this straight...If you have a master's degree, you know everything. Why not just sleep at a Holiday Inn and avoid having $150K in student loans?
ReplyDeleteLike it or not, that pipeline is going where they want it to go. State and federal regulations trump local ordinances and public opinion.
ReplyDeleteSolicitor Nicolosi's suggestion is a good one. It would be better for the Twp to base any decisions on science and knowledge rather than reacting to generalized public passion and fear. IF specific concerns should arise, at least then there is a basis for it. If no concerns arise, then progress moves on. Seems like a level-headed move by the BOC on this one.
ReplyDeleteLighthouse. I hope the rumors are true.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the approach taken by the BOC here. Hire someone who knows something rather than (a) react out of fear or (b) be idiots like Williams Tp and do nothing.
ReplyDelete"Like it or not, that pipeline is going where they want it to go"
ReplyDeleteI disagree. Like it or not, the pipeline is coming, but the course has changed three times and could change three or four more times.
8:41, if you refer to the same rumor that I have heard, sorry, but no it is not true.
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ReplyDeleteThe pipeline is coming whether we like it or not. That being said, I'd rather our leaders challenge it and gain knowledge than do nothing at all. Apparently, it will terminate in NJ so NJ gets what little jobs come of it upon completion. Then the gas itself is offloaded somewhere else in the world. The communities in PA get nothing.
ReplyDeleteI'm not even sure this statement is accurate, although it was repeated enough last night. In some news accounts, I've read of plans for laterals to supply gas to local industries.
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ReplyDeleteMunicipal lawyers sure do know how to spend our tax dollars, they've become sales people for all the wrong reasons!
ReplyDelete"I'm not even sure this statement is accurate, although it was repeated enough last night. In some news accounts, I've read of plans for laterals to supply gas to local industries"
ReplyDeleteFrom what I have seen, these were tacked on late in the game. Probably to try to silence that criticism. How extensive are these laterals?
"I have a Mater's Degree."
ReplyDeleteAnd that means what to me?
I have a marble, a button, and some chewing gum.
ReplyDelete"From what I have seen, these were tacked on late in the game. Probably to try to silence that criticism. How extensive are these laterals"
ReplyDeleteSome mighgt say they are silencing critics. Others might say they are listening. Is that a bad thing?
My knowledge about the laterals, and I knew of only one, is very limited. I do like the idea of hiring someone who understands the issues to address this matter. That makes far more sense than embracing the positions of people whose minfds are already made up.
Local municipal solicitors are almost always conflicted. Maybe not legally... but almost all represent conflicting interests.
ReplyDeleteFor Ex. in Lehigh County the same solicitor represented Lower Mac, LCIDA and the the Hamilton Crossings developer....
Most muni solicitors either directly or indirectly (through partnership) also represent development interests. This is the biggest impediment to good gov't in the Valley. I'm convinced of that.
You have a valid point, but it is irrelevant to thetopic at hand. If anything, this close relation to developers would tend to mahe municipal governments opposed to a pipeline.
ReplyDeleteand I have a brand new pair of roller skates...
ReplyDeleteBernie, this is all about judgement calls. We need gas,and we should not be afraid of it as long as safety standards are in place .Judgement ,to foresee the future based on knowledge.
ReplyDeleteI don't have a Masters Degree Bernie , can I run for Mayor in the City Of Easton without one? If I do, I will get you here with me to open the new city hall along with another Military Vet , 67 years old that was a combat tracker in Vietnam. What do you think? The building will be heated by natural gas.
ReplyDeleteSounds good.
ReplyDeleteok THEN - I'm Tan Rested and Ready to Run .West Ward would be be my' Platform'I can fix it ! The HOODS need to move now!,because I will be coming for them as Mayor . This all to establish a safety zone for working class families and the retired. I MEAN IT, as I would be there delay. I promise to Kick Ass and Take Names of the violators,Landlords included ! This is no different than any safety issue
ReplyDeletePeter, I thought you were in Sal'c camp, but I hope you run and are serious. Panto had a great first term, but his second has been su par bc he started believing all the nice things his sycophants say and lost sight of the clean and safe mantra that he heralded for so long. I believe a GOP or independent race might wake him up and force him to realize that he's not King. I liked him when he cared about people of very limited income. Now he is trying to brush them out of the way.
ReplyDeleteBernie -I have nothing to lose ,except real estate value.I THINK I WANT TO give the constituents a choice ,at lest someone who will ....Mr. Panto has done a lot of great things here , but he he be getting complacent. Being a city employee I see things that would save costs and have 'broadcast 'impending issues of liability with no response. They don't want me to be right.Because I'm a blue collar work . But I have the letters to prove it and a recent E-Mail ,again in step,over a police shooting, that costs us money .
ReplyDeleteYou go, Peter! The people deserve a choice.
ReplyDeleteI will relay a copy of my Op-ed to the Morning Call regarding Act 4. I have been working on it it for too long and think even' ' Henry the river rat' will find no error in my English. A cpoy will get to you tomorrow via an other Marine we both know .
ReplyDeleteUnderstood. That other Marineis a good man who has been my friend through thick and thin. Not many like Tom.
ReplyDeleteAlmost none. Wonderful man,integrity,forthright and knowledgeable.
ReplyDeleteI have a nursing degree, damnit, and I'm highly qualified.
ReplyDeleteThose bastards over at Gracedale wouldn't look at me twice (one used the excuse he couldn't bear the sight of me, and asked me to put on a paper bag). They made a big mistake - I'm adding them to my hate list.