Arkansas Blog: Enter Beebe on gas strike

You've perhaps noticed by now that Gov. Mike Beebe has made it clear he believes Game and Fish should share some of its gas riches with other state agencies -- most particularly the environmental stewards already woefully understaffed, even if they were inclined, to vigorously protect natural resources from the inevitable damage caused by massive exploration. Unless he gets some gas money for state agencies, other revenues will have to be supplied. He'll win at least a limited victory for the simple reason mentioned here yesterday and repeated by Beebe -- though Game and Fish has constitutional independence, it can't spend a dime not appropriated by the legislature, no matter how much cash it piles up.

I do think Beebe was being overly generous in this quote about G&FC, however:

"I think the Game and Fish Commission is very sensitive to the fact that their resources don't really belong to them but belong to all the people of Arkansas," Beebe said, adding that he expected the commission to work with his office and the Legislature.

If they really thought that, the proceeds of leasing public land would benefit all public efforts equally. It's a classic example of Beebe's historic ability to find bridges between opposite viewpoints, however. I wish he could inject a little of that into Game and Fish's obsession with the game and fish portion of its charge. Even Texas has bowed to devoting significant attention to the broader interests of wildlife preservation and enjoyment in its regulatory agency. Not Arkansas.

Comments

Beebe's "public" comments don't mean anything. I'm tired of all his back door deals. For those of you waiting for him to put his pants on, don't hold your breath-- He's Arkansas' Corporate Pirate in Chief. Nice story on Beebe and the AGFC at my name.

Posted by: Roderick A. Bryan | July 30, 2008 08:48 AM

Not quite....If AG&F really believed that they land they hold is being held in stewardship for the people of Arkansas, there would be NO drilling on it whatsoever.

Posted by: EY | July 30, 2008 08:50 AM

I agree EY. Beebe loves to argue about the wrong things. The argument shouldn't be over how they should divide the loot, it should be about should they allow exploration at all. I say no. I bet there are a lot of people who publicly say to protect the land until they think they can stuff some coins in their own pockets.

Posted by: Roderick A. Bryan | July 30, 2008 09:02 AM

Does the AG&FC actually need the cash at this particular time or are they afraid the gas will disappear or lose value in the future? Since we're in a surplus situation how about keeping our natural areas as well as our nest egg intact? My grandkids might desperately need it.

Posted by: bugeyedlittlefreak | July 30, 2008 10:05 AM

Is there a lawyer in the house?

Posted by: Roderick A. Bryan | July 30, 2008 11:14 AM

Thinking further on the question of "Do they really need the money?" The Beebe administration seems to be operating under a federal mandate to expedite exportation of all natural resources. Have they been lead to believe that they are increasing national security?

If they believe they are administrating with the well-being of Arkansans in mind I'm here to inform that they miss-serve a very small portion of the population in the short term, which is no service at all and their understanding of thermodynamics is fatally flawed.

Posted by: Roderick A. Bryan | July 30, 2008 11:24 AM

And before anybody shouts back regarding the AGFC standing on it's own, as if lifelong politician Beebe is innocent--I'll call bullshit in advance.

Posted by: Roderick A. Bryan | July 30, 2008 11:27 AM

Is it to late? Is the deal done? Or can folks actually take the position.. of raising the question of whether or not this should be done at all?

I would really like to know.

No matter what.. if the drilling is or will soon be a done deal.

What will be the "protect our lands and waters" part of this fiasco by the AGF and others in the state?

Will any measures be required much more taken to handle the waste water from drilling?

What measure will be taken to insure drilling to deep doesn't happen..and knowing / announcing when it does?

What about taking all of the funds from State's new $$$ boon -- cleaning up after gas drilling and hiring/implementing a real environmental monitoring group (with teeth) in the State system?

Posted by: Eureka Springs, AR | July 30, 2008 02:17 PM

Arkansas Blog

Enter Beebe on gas strike

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