Ethics committee says gas companies have a conflict when it comes to air quality

Three gas company employees who serve on a key committee related to natural gas drilling have a conflict of interest, the city's ethics review committee ruled today.

The city appointed the Air Quality Study committee to hire a contractor who will conduct air tests at natural gas wells and compressor stations. It's an important committee because it is intended to determine the level of toxic emissions around the gas sites, and could lead to new regulations on gas drilling in the city. The 10-member committee includes three representatives from major drilling companies -- Devon Energy, XTO Energy and Chesapeake Energy.

Jim Ashford, an East Fort Worth resident who is suing Chesapeake over noise and air pollution, filed the ethics complaint in the spring, saying it was improper for the gas companies to have representatives on a committee that is studying pollution that is potentially caused by their industry.

The city Ethics Review Committee sided with Ashford after a three-hour hearing.

The gas company employees have a "total absence of malice," said Rebecca Lucas, a lawyer who serves on the ethics committee. However, "The level of their loyalty to their employers has put them in a position of wearing two hats."

The Ethics Review Committee can't remove the three gas can't remove the three members from the air quality committee. Also, the three employees can appeal the decision to the City Council.

The ethics committee ruled against Ashford on another complaint. He argued that City Council members Jungus Jordan and Danny Scarth shouldn't vote on issues related to gas drilling because they earn money from natural gas royalties.

Ashford didn't cite specific instances in which the councilmen voted on gas drilling issues, though. The committee said Ashford can revise his complaint.

Comments

[Slonek Air Conditioning]

This is quite an interesting posting I must say. Indeed the gas companies should pay careful attention regarding the air quality.

[L. Satterfield]

When I served on the Cedar Hill Steering Committee to review their ordinances, I had to avow that I did so with no conflict of interest. This is a common requirement for any one serving in a responsible capacity in any ethical business organization.

Obviously, there is a conflict of interest when serving in an oversight position would jeopardize your income. For Ms. Hill to dismiss this point is, in and of itself, unethical.