JAMES CITY – State Rep. Matt Gabler (R-Clearfield/Elk) is addressing an Erie Times-News story that a permit issued by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for an underground injection disposal well in Highland Township, Elk County, is based on false testimony.
According to the report, a Venango County man is facing charges he did not plug three abandoned oil wells in the vicinity of the permit, despite being paid to do so and testifying he had in fact plugged the wells. The case is being investigated by the EPA, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General and U.S. Forest Service.
Gabler issued the following statement in response to the story:
“The report is yet another devastating indictment of the EPA’s underground injection well permitting process. Reports show the EPA is investigating a case of fraudulent testimony – testimony which they relied upon to issue the injection well permit near James City, despite an ongoing investigation into the validity of the testimony.
“Without a doubt, the EPA is dead wrong in their recent issuance of permits in both Clearfield (Brady Township) and Elk counties. The Obama Administration’s obvious disregard for our region is on display in both cases. This unaccountable bureaucracy needs to be reined in and held accountable for the decisions they make that have a real impact on the lives of rural Pennsylvanians.
“As a state official and citizen, I am infuriated by our Federal Government’s failure to live up to its core responsibilities to the health and welfare of the citizens of our area. I am committed to continuing the fight by advocating good policies in Harrisburg and by working with our federal officials to ensure better protection for our families, friends, neighbors and communities across Pennsylvania.”
Questions about this or any other legislative issue should be directed to Gabler’s DuBois office at 814-375-4688 or his St. Marys office at 814-781-6301.