Education caucus. Environmental caucus. Human justice caucus.

Never seen one.

Advertisement

But let somebody try to propose effective regulation or fair recompense from the natural resource plunderers tearing up roads and threatening water supplies and seismic zones and a group of legislators immediately springs up in defense. As if the out-of-state gas drillers, who send finite Arkansas resources to out-of-state customers, need help, given the huge profits and how they throw it around to the right legislative candidates.

Following is news of the formation of the Legislative Take the Money and Run Fayetteville Shale Caucus. All but three members are from the corporate party, otherwise known as Republicans.

Advertisement

You need not look far to see the success of voluntary compliance with environmental protection laws and fair share payments for detrimental side effects. There is no such record. It is certainly not the aim of this new group.

Be a Part of the Fight

Step up and make a difference by subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times, the progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock that's been fighting for truth for 50 years. Our tough, determined, and feisty journalism has earned us over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, all of whom value our commitment to holding the powerful accountable. But we need your help to do even more. By subscribing or donating, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be supporting our efforts to hire more writers and expand our coverage. Join us in the fight for truth by subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times today.

Previous article Slideshow from The Rep’s young artist show, ‘Review the Revue’ Next article Burger joint of the week: Thirst ‘N’ Howl