Residents should attend PUC hearing
I can’t agree with Loretta Coleman of the kudos that should go to Marigrace Butela and James Rosenburg in their efforts to keep big oil and gas industry from destroying our properties and land owner right.
Yes, Marigrace and Jim were successful in getting another public hearing from the Public Utility Commission concerning the Peregrine Keystoen Gas Pipeline LLC.
This company is seeking approval on a non-exclusive basis to begin to offer, render, furnish and supply natural gas gathering, compression, dehydration and transportation in all municipalities of Fayette, Greene and a portion of Washington County.
If they are granted their wish to be recognized as a public utility they will be able to take your home and property for pennies on the dollar.
The PUC wants to have this public hearing at the Fayette County Courthouse on Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 1 p.m. in courtroom number 1. Where are the people going to park? How are those with disabilities going to reach courtroom number 1?
The courthouse is not really handicap accessible. The only provision is a lift chair and takes anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes for one person.
Marigrace asked me if I could find a suitable hall for such a hearing. I told her that there would be a fee to rent such facility. She quickly told me don’t worry about that, she would pay for it.
The PUC is still standing by their decision to have the hearing at the courthouse. They are refusing to listen to the argument that there is very little parking or limited access for those who are disabled.
The issue that the oil and gas industry refuses to recognize is eminent domain. If eminent domain should come into effect, you will lose your property rights and possibly your home that you struggled and worked hard all your life to pay for.
If the PUC grants this company its wish, the industry can have access to your property, destroy land, install huge ugly wells that deteriorate over time, gas compressors that give off toxins and gas lines that are being installed by out-of-town non-union workers.
How many people last week have read about the gas line in Kenya that exploded and killed upwards of up to 100 people and severely injured many more.
How many people that own their gas rights with Marcellus wells on their property and gas lines would want to see one life lost for the sake of China. Yes, our good friends in China. This gas that is being produced here in Fayette County will be sold on the open market to the highest bidder. China will be that highest bidder while our gas prices are going up.
Politicians are getting their pockets quickly filled by this industry to influence their decision. Please attend this very important meeting no matter where it is to be held. Your property and landowner rights and your health are at stake.
Bob Foltz is a resident of Uniontown.